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Is Montana at Risk?
Identified Hazards for the State of Montana

Basic Disaster Information:



The Four Phases.

Hazardous Materials.

Severe Weather.

Flooding.

Earthquakes.

Wildland Fires.

Tornados.

Dam Failures.

Drought.

Volcanic Fallout.

Soil failure.

Violence and Terrorism.

Avalanche.

Landslide/Mudflow.

Vector-Borne Diseases.

Chemical/Biological Warfare.

Nuclear Attack.

Miscellaneous.

Severe Weather:

Thunderstorms:

Thunderstorms and lightning events are generated by atmospheric imbalance and turbulence due to the combination of unstable warm air rising rapidly into the atmosphere; sufficient moisture to form clouds and rain; and, upward lift of air currents caused by colliding weather fronts (cold and warm) or mountains. They are experienced in nearly every region of the mainland United States, including Montana. They can produce deadly and damaging tornadoes, hailstorms, intense downburst and microburst winds, lightening and flash floods. It is estimated by the National Weather Service that over 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year on the U.S. mainland, with approximately 10% classified as severe.


Winter Storms:

Winter storms vary in size and intensity and may affect a small part of one state or several states at once. Winter storms may be categorized as ice storms, heavy snowfall or blizzards. Severe winter storms are one of Montana’s greatest hazards. Despite the initial consequences, there are many residual effects such as agricultural considerations and potential flooding concerns.