Dust storm Havre
Photo by: photo by Michael Compton

By: Charlie Klepps
Posted 6:47 PM, May 20, 2026 and last updated 7:24 PM, May 20, 2026

BILLINGS — A massive dust storm swept through northeast Montana last week, closing highways, canceling schools and damaging structures, and experts warn events like this could escalate into conditions similar to the Dust Bowl era.

High winds whipped dirt into a towering plume, limiting visibility across the Hi-Line. While the storm caused extensive property damage, the biggest long-term concern is what it did to farm and ranch land.

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