Montana storm updates
The entire Northern Rockies is likely to experience wind gusts greater than 50 mph early Wednesday morning through the afternoon. These strong winds could damage structures and lead to dangerous driving conditions. They could also knock down trees in the already rain-saturated soil, leading to widespread power outages. We'll post major updates concerning safety, and announcements from local authorities.
Winds whip through Montana, cutting power, blocking roads and toppling trees
Sixty mile-per-hour wind gusts hit western Montana first, heavily impacting the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Flathead valleys. The storm then pushed northeast blowing through Helena, Great Falls and across the Hi-Line.
The severe winds left trees, power lines and semi-trucks scattered across major roadways. Several school districts released students early.
Hamilton Parks and Recreation Director Amy Fox says structural damage in their city was limited.
"There’s still a fair amount of trees that came down, mostly on private property. A lot of blue spruce came down. We did lose a few city trees."
Downed trees like those in Hamilton led to widespread power outages.
As of Thursday afternoon, NorthWestern Energy crews were still working to restore power to tens of thousands. Around 5 p.m., the company estimated at least 35,000 homes were still without power. The Flathead Valley Electric Co-op also reported “extensive damage” and says crews will be working through the night.
National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Conlan says the highest western wind speed recorded was 96 mph on Mount Aeneas near Bigfork. Winds of 90 mph were recorded at the Highlands Golf Club in Missoula. A wind gust of 88 mph was recorded near Stevensville in the Bitterroot Valley.
"Soils were saturated, and our concern was trees blowing over," Conlan told MTPR. "And from the reports that we’re getting, there have been many, many trees that have gone over."
From Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, up to 9 inches of snow could accumulate on Lolo, Lookout, Marias and Lost Trail passes. The valleys of western Montana will see an intermittent mix of rain and snow.
MTPR reporters Edward F. O'Brien and Austin Amestoy contributed to this report.
Outage update from Flathead Valley Electric Coop
Via Flathead Valley Electric Coop:
12/17 @ 12:50 PM: Due to the extensive damage across our service territory, estimated restoration times are not available at this time. Crews are working as quickly and safely as conditions allow to assess damage and make repairs. Additional information will be shared as crews continue to get eyes on affected areas.
We recognize this is a difficult situation for our members. While we expect to restore power in many areas today, some members may remain without power overnight. We will provide another update later with more specific information, including areas where longer outages are anticipated. Please note that high winds are still occurring in some locations, which could result in additional outages.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as your Co-op responds to this major weather event.
'Snow bands' expected throughout the day, forecasters say
Winds down trees, block roads
An extreme cold front is driving powerful winds into Montana today, knocking down trees, obstructing roads and cutting power to thousands of Montanans.
Downed trees and powerlines are blocking major roadways across northwest Montana, including Highway 93 from Ronan to Kalispell, State Highway 200 from Thompson Falls to Noxon, and Highway 2 from Kalispell to Libby. Check conditions on major roadways near you by clicking here.
Dangerous driving conditions are impacting the entire state. Wind gusts can reduce vehicle control and blow debris onto roads. Storm damage has cancelled Butte Transit bus service until further notice.
Lincoln County is under emergency travel only, and Missoula residents have been advised not to travel.
NorthWestern Energy’s outage map as of 10 a.m. reported loss of power to thousands of customers in Thompson Falls, Plains, St. Regis, Superior, Alberton, Missoula, Corvallis, Hamilton, Butte and Bozeman. You can check the map for updates here.
Residents should stay away from downed powerlines and only use generators outdoors and far away from buildings. Intersections without power should be treated as four-way stops.
Those with power should charge phones and backup batteries now. If you lose power, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. When conditions are safe, check in on neighbors and those with medical conditions.