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Gov Declares Flood Emergency, Waters Close Highways Near Augusta

Flooding in Augusta, MT Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's office

Governor Steve Bullock this afternoon declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of possible major flooding in Cascade County and Lewis and Clark County and the City of Great Falls.

Flood waters around Augusta continue to shut down roadways and make passage impossible along some highways and bridges.

“There’s only one way in, and one way out of there, and that’s Highway 287 towards Choteau,” says Brent Colbert, Captain at the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s office.

Montana Public Radio spoke with Colbert around 4 p.m. Wednesday. He says Highway 287 from Highway 200 remains closed following flooding yesterday.

Highway 21 from Augusta to Simms and along to Sun River is also closed, along with Highway 200 from the Highway 279 junction to Simms.

"If you don’t need to be in those areas, please don’t go to those areas. And just watch out for running water. It doesn’t take much to be swept away and get yourself in a situation.”

The governor’s emergency declaration allows the state to mobilize resources and the Montana National Guard to protect life, health, and property. It is separate from the earlier spring flooding event that was the subject of Governor Bullock’s recent Presidential Major Disaster Declaration request.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter in Choteau at the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints at 1000 1st North East.

[Editor's note 6 p.m., 06/20/18: This post was updated with info about the emergency declaration by Governor Bullock.]

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
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