Severe weather is expected across central and north-central Montana this afternoon and evening.

The primary threats will be large hail and damaging winds, however a tornado or two is also possible.

For the latest watches and warnings, check our website at http://www.weather.gov, follow your local media source or listen to NOAA Weather Radio, or access the information on your mobile device at http://mobile.weather.gov.

Know the difference between a watch and a warning:

Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch: Be Prepared
A Watch is issued when a specific weather hazard is possible in the relatively near future.

Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warning: Take Action
A Warning is issued when a specific weather hazard is currently occurring or will be occurring very soon.

If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your location, you should get inside a sturdy building immediately and stay away from windows and plugged-in electrical appliances. Make sure all members of your family know what to do and where to go if severe weather threatens. Don’t forget pets if time allows.

If a Tornado Warning is issued you should go to the lowest level of a sturdy building to an interior room with no windows. Mobile homes are never safe during a tornado. If you are in a mobile home or a recreational vehicle, you should head for a storm shelter. At your workplace or school, stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.

If you’re going to be outside, know where the nearest enclosed building is located and go there at the first sign of a storm. If no building is available, the next best option is to get inside a car with the windows rolled up.

Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also put you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.

If you are driving, pull off the side of the road until the storm passes. If large hail or a tornado is occurring while you are in your vehicle, get down in your car and cover your head. If you encounter water covering the roadway, turn around and find another route to your destination.

Follow the National Weather Service in Great Falls for current, up-to-date information on our website at www.weather.gov/greatfalls as well as social media. If you have any information, severe reports, photos, videos or questions, please e-mail tfx.spotters@noaa.gov or call us at 406-453-2081.

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