“With an unprecedented winter storm throwing our state a surprise in September, state and local governments are working closely together to protect the health and safety of Montanans and our top priority is making sure that happens,” Bullock said in a statement. “Montanans should heed all warnings from state and local officials, travel safely, and be cautious during this time.”
The storm has resulted in “heavy, wet snow with accumulation amounts up to three feet in some locations,” according to Bullock. His emergency order allows Montana officials to utilize all necessary state government services, equipment and suppliers to further the efforts of local governments in protecting the health and safety of citizens in the state.
So far, the weekend storm has hit Cascade, Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lewis and Clark the hardest, as well as Lincoln, Pondera and Teton counties and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, according to NBC Montana.
Gusty high winds knocked down trees and power lines in northwestern Montana and across the Rocky Mountain Front on Saturday, resulting in road closures, electricity outages and intermittent cell phone service. Around 30 large trees were torn down on the east side of Flathead Lake alone, reported the Missoulian.
The National Weather Service on Sunday morning reported 2-3 feet of snow in the Browning area, 22 inches west of Choteau city, and 14 inches in Great Falls. According to the latest weather warning, the storm will likely continue through Sunday with more trees damaged due to falling snow. Additional power outages are also expected to occur, as well as further impacted traffic conditions.
“We were fortunate to receive several days of notice from the National Weather Service—which did a good job predicting the size and magnitude of this storm,” Bullock said.
If you must travel, National Weather Service cautioned, keep an “extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle” in case of a weather-related emergency.
Montana State Highway Patrol Trooper Amanda Villa on Saturday shared a photo of an overturned car in Helena to warn drivers of dangerous road conditions. “Careful on the bridge decks. Wet roads are still dangerous roads,” she tweeted. “Thankfully everyone in this car is ok.”
The snowstorm is predicted to wind down between Sunday evening and early Monday morning. Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and early 20s in the hours after the storm in many parts of western and central Montana.
