A vigorous Pacific storm system moved into western Montana, with an associated strong upper jet. Large scale lift and a surface cold front caused widespread strong surface winds and significant precipitation totals.

Strong Wind in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 11:15:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 8.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

There were multiple reports of trees down on power lines in and around Columbia Falls. The power went out at 1130 am and was still out at 1 pm.

Strong Wind in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 12:30:00 to 16-OCT-12 12:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Strong wind gusts were observed in the canyons along I-90, with white caps on the Clark fork river 1 mile south southwest of Bearmouth.

High Wind in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 11:10:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:32:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A non thunderstorm wind gust of 57 mph was measured 7 miles west of Kalispell.

Strong Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 11:00:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:18:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree fell on a house in Florence.

Strong Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 10:39:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 35.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The roof was torn off of a business on the south end of Hamilton by wind gusts.

Strong Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 10:06:00 to 16-OCT-12 10:14:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A large construction sign was blown onto I-90 at mile marker 103, 2 miles north northwest of Missoula.

Heavy Rain in RAVALLI, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 06:00:00 to 16-OCT-12 07:02:00 (MST-7)
Location: VICTOR
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A RAWS station 4 miles west northwest of Victor measured 0.31 inch rainfall in 1 hour.

Heavy Rain in LAKE, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 06:00:00 to 16-OCT-12 07:01:00 (MST-7)
Location: SWAN LAKE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A spotter measured 0.34 inch rainfall in 1 hour.

Heavy Rain in FLATHEAD, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 09:34:00 to 16-OCT-12 10:34:00 (MST-7)
Location: EVERGREEN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The AWS station in the Kalispell School District building at Evergreen measured 0.44 inch rainfall in an hour.

Strong Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 16-OCT-12 10:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.50K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree fell and blocked southbound Old Highway 93 at the intersection with West Carlton Creek Road 3 miles north of Florence.

High Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 10:30:00 to 16-OCT-12 10:59:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 67.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A wind gust of 77 mph was measured 5 miles west of Missoula by a Davis weather station. Lawn furniture weighing about 150 pounds was moved about 20 feet.

Strong Wind in POTOMAC / SEELEY LAKE REGION, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 10:00:00 to 16-OCT-12 10:05:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 3.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Wind damage was reported near Seeley Lake. A tree fell over a power line near the lumber yard, 1 mile south southeast of Seeley Lake, and a tree fell across the road near the Seeley Lake community center south of town.

Strong Wind in MISSOULA / BITTERROOT VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 11:11:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Power was knocked out from Hamilton to Corvallis.

Strong Wind in BUTTE / BLACKFOOT REGION, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 11:15:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:56:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 4.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Multiple trees were blown down on lower Rock Creek Road near exit 126. Also a small rock slide fell on the road between mile markers 3 and 4.

Strong Wind in FLATHEAD/MISSION VALLEYS, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 11:26:00 to 16-OCT-12 11:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 1.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Power was knocked out in Arlee.

Strong Wind in KOOTENAI/CABINET REGION, MONTANA
From 16-OCT-12 12:15:00 to 16-OCT-12 12:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 9.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

There were multiple reports of tree damage with trees on power lines and blocking some roads in and around Libby. The elementary school was with out power.

Heavy Rain in LINCOLN, MONTANA
From 15-OCT-12 10:30:00 to 16-OCT-12 10:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: KOOTENAI FALLS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The rainfall total for 24 hours was 2.10 inches.  This was measured 13 miles north northeast of Heron.