MT · State guide

Montana emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montana's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $754 million, rated Relatively Low. The hazards with the largest expected losses are inland flooding, cold waves and earthquakes.

Weather alerts in Montana right now

Live

0 warnings and 1 watch in force. 4 advisories.

High Wind Watch until Oct 23, 2026, 5:00 PM ETEastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera; Eastern Toole and Liberty; Hill County; Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton; Western and Central Chouteau County

National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:46 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

Montana's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

Inland floodingRelatively Low$277 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively High$244 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeRelatively Low$77 million a yearHow to prepare →

WildfireRelatively Moderate$73 million a yearHow to prepare →

Winter weatherVery High$18 million a yearHow to prepare →

LightningRelatively Low$15 million a yearHow to prepare →

AvalancheVery High$12 million a year

Strong windRelatively Low$10 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for inland flooding, cold waves, earthquakes and wildfires

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

Cold waveHow to stay warm without power in winter, safelyGear: Emergency blankets and sleeping bags · Hand warmers

EarthquakeEarthquake preparedness: Drop, Cover and Hold On, and what to do afterGear: First aid kits · Fire extinguishers

WildfireHow to protect yourself from wildfire smoke: AQI, clean room, filters and N95sGear: Air purifiers for wildfire smoke · N95 masks for smoke

Official help in Montana

State emergency management: Disaster and Emergency Services
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More Montana government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where inland flooding tops the list

Alabama Arizona Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia

Seasonal checklists for Montana

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)