The National Weather Service has issued high wind watches for portions of north-central and southwest Montana, signaling potential travel difficulties beginning Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Sustained winds are anticipated to range from 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 60 to 65 mph, prompting officials to advise travelers to prepare for hazardous conditions. While these winds are not uncommon for this time of year, the frequency of high wind events has been notable, according to NWS meteorologist Maura Casey. Affected areas include Harrison, Havre, Three Forks, Whitehall, and other locations, impacting approximately 47,000 residents. The NWS Great Falls office has also cautioned about an elevated fire risk due to the winds later in the week.