Photos: Billings area experiences high winds
Potentially record-setting winds began beating down on Billings Wednesday afternoon, taking down trees and power lines and throwing debris all around town.
The winds aren't expected to begin diminishing until later in the evening, according to the national Weather Service.
Wind storm hits Billings
Cars fill the drive thru at Starbucks while the coffee shop’s downed sign flaps in the gusty winds Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 on Grand Avenue in Billings.
High winds
A utility pole hangs at an angle along Laurel Airport Road East of Laurel as the Billings area experiences high winds on Wednesday.
Wind storm hits Billings
A pedestrian comes to a complete standstill while trying to walk against the wind Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 in Billings.
High winds
The remains of a carport are tangled around a utility pole on 8th Street West as the Billings area experiences high winds on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021.
Wind storm hits Billings
Workers redirect traffic on Hallowell Lane after a large tree toppled over and took down a power line Wednesday in Billings.
High winds
Cars drive through a cloud of dust which makes visibility difficult along 72nd Street West, East of Laurel as the Billings area experiences high winds on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021.
High winds
Dust and smoke from grass fires blows across fields between Billings and Laurel as high winds hit the region on Wednesday.
Wind storm hits Billings
A car drives past a large downed branch near McKinley Elementary School during a wind storm Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 in Billings.
Strong, potentially record-setting winds capable of causing property damage and power outages began Wednesday afternoon in Billings and contin…
Some of the strongest winds Wednesday were observed in Billings between noon and 4 p.m. A 69 mph record-setting wind gust for the month of January was observed at the airport. That broke a wind gust record of 67 mph set on the same date in 2014.