{"url_path":"/weather/alerts/2.49.0.1.840.0.2569059dfe2fe57b19ba81cf45e4759d6e74758f.001.1","section_key":"alert","section_title":"Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:08PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT","topic":"weather","document":{"doc_type":"alert","doc_date":"2026-07-17","source_url":"https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.2569059dfe2fe57b19ba81cf45e4759d6e74758f.001.1","accession_number":null,"cik":null,"ticker":null,"issuer_name":null,"edgar_url":null,"primary_entity_key":null,"primary_entity_name":"NWS Great Falls MT"},"word_count":174,"has_tables":false,"body_markdown":"# Special Weather Statement: Special Weather Statement issued July 17 at 5:08PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT\n\n**Severity:** Moderate\n**Certainty:** Observed\n**Urgency:** Expected\n**Areas:** Cascade County below 5000ft; Gates of the Mountains; Little Belt and Highwood Mountains; Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains\n**Issued by:** NWS Great Falls MT\n**Sent:** 2026-07-17T17:08:00-06:00\n**Effective:** 2026-07-17T17:08:00-06:00\n**Expires:** 2026-07-17T18:00:00-06:00\n\n## Description\nAt 507 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12\nmiles northeast of Wolf Creek, or 13 miles southwest of Cascade,\nmoving north at 15 mph.\n\nHAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.\n\nSOURCE...Radar indicated.\n\nIMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around\nunsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is\npossible.\n\nLocations impacted include...\nCascade, Tower Rock State Park, and Craig.\n\n## Instructions\nFrequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.\nLightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe\nshelter inside a building or vehicle.\n\nThis storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio\nstations and available television stations for additional information\nand possible warnings from the National Weather Service."}