Billings residents should prepare for heavy, potentially flood-producing thunderstorms from midday through late tonight, federal forecasters say. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch covering Billings and a wide swath of south-central and eastern Montana starting at noon and remaining in effect through late tonight.
What to expect and who is affected
The watch warns of slow-moving thunderstorms capable of very high rainfall rates, which can produce excessive runoff and flash flooding. Areas specifically mentioned in the advisory include nearby regions and foothills, but the notice explicitly lists multiple Montana zones where flooding is possible. Forecasters said flooding could occur in low-lying, flood-prone and poor drainage locations, as well as in urban areas.
- When: From noon MDT today through late tonight.
- Primary hazard: Flash flooding from excessive rainfall.
- Impacts: Flooded roads, overflowing creeks and rivers, and water pooling in urban and poorly drained areas.
Areas of particular concern
The advisory highlights the risk to recent burn scars, which can be especially prone to debris flows and rapid runoff. Named burn areas in the broader region include the Robertson Draw and East Side Fires south of Red Lodge and the Elk Fire along the eastern slopes of the Bighorn Mountains. The watch also covers the Absaroka/Beartooth and Beartooth foothills, Bighorn Canyon, Musselshell and several Big Horn and Carbon county areas, among others.
"Expect slow-moving thunderstorms capable of producing very high rainfall rates," the notice said, and advised monitoring forecasts and preparing to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
What residents should do now
Officials urge residents to monitor local forecasts and be ready to move to higher ground if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Drivers should avoid flooded roadways; even shallow, fast-moving water can sweep vehicles away. The Weather Service also pointed to its safety guidance: weather.gov/safety/flood.
| Current reported temperature (Billings) | Forecast trend |
|---|---|
| Mid-80s this afternoon | Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall possible into evening |
Stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service for updates. If you live in low-lying areas, near creeks or on recent burn scars, consider making a plan now to move to safety if conditions worsen.
