BILLINGS — Significant wind gusts exceeding 75 mph are possible across parts of the Northern Plains and Intermountain West Sunday, with the highest probability zones centered near Billings, Montana and Salt Lake City, Utah. The most intense storms, expected across North and South Dakota, carry an added threat: very large hail over 2 inches in diameter.

The wind probability map shows two separate 15 percent zones, one wrapping Billings, the other centered on Salt Lake City, both embedded within a much broader 5 percent corridor stretching from Boise through Rapid City, Denver and Colorado Springs.

Why the Dakotas Carry a Second, Separate Threat

While the wind gust probabilities span the entire Northern Plains and Intermountain West corridor, the 2-inch-plus hail threat is specifically isolated to the most intense storms forming over North and South Dakota, rather than the full wind-risk area. That distinction matters because hail of that size, roughly golf ball to baseball sized, is capable of causing serious vehicle and property damage on its own, independent of whatever wind speeds accompany it. Residents in Rapid City and the broader Dakotas corridor are effectively facing a compounded risk today, both the widespread wind threat shared with Billings and Salt Lake City, plus this additional, more localized giant hail danger tied to the strongest cells.

What to Watch For as Sunday’s Storms Develop

As of this writing, this is a wind probability outlook for Sunday, not a confirmed watch or warning. No severe thunderstorm watches tied to the Northern Plains or Intermountain West corridor have been issued yet. This article will be updated as watches, warnings, or storm reports develop throughout the day.

For more coverage like this, check back for the latest severe weather updates.