July 25, 2024

Missoula, MT – In the wake of Thursday evening’s severe storm, over 10,000 residents are still without electricity this morning. Power outages are reported from Missoula extending westward to Alberton, eastward to Clinton, and across the Northern Bitterroot region.

The powerful thunderstorm brought hurricane-force winds, lightning, and heavy rain, leaving a trail of disruption and challenges for both local residents and utility services.

Urgent Water Conservation Notice

Missoula Water has urged customers to conserve water. Due to the storm’s impact on the power grid, the utility is now depending on generators with limited refueling capabilities to power their pumps. This has significantly affected the water system, making conservation efforts vital for maintaining the water supply during this crisis.

Storm’s Initial Onslaught and Warnings

The severe weather began Wednesday evening, tracked by the National Weather Service (NWS) as it moved from Idaho into West Central Montana. By 8:30 pm, the NWS had issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the Northern Bitterroot and Missoula Valley. The storm hit with fierce winds, frequent lightning, and heavy rain, causing immediate and widespread damage.

Wind Speeds and Resulting Damage

Preliminary reports suggest wind gusts ranging from 50 to 60 miles per hour, with a notable 81 miles per hour gust at Missoula Montana Airport and a staggering 109 miles per hour gust recorded atop Mount Sentinel.

The high winds resulted in significant damage in areas like Lolo and Miller Creek, where trees and power lines were downed. As the storm moved through Missoula and into East Missoula, it kicked up a substantial dust storm and scattered debris. Hundreds of lightning strikes compounded the destruction.

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency services, including fire and police crews, are actively responding to numerous incidents of downed power lines, fallen trees, and wildfires. Firefighters successfully contained a structure fire in East Missoula that threatened nearby homes.

Missoula Electric Coop and Northwestern Energy have reported widespread outages, with several hundred customers affected from Lolo to Missoula to Superior and Seeley Lake. Thousands more remain without power in the broader Missoula and Bitterroot areas.

Impact on Local Businesses

Local roofing contractor T & J Xteriors and Roofing reported an influx of calls from customers with storm damage, such as trees falling on roofs. The contractors observed that many neighboring homes also suffered severe damage, including roofs being completely ripped off by the storm’s powerful winds. This underscores the extensive impact of the storm on residential properties in the affected areas.

Storm’s Continued Path and Preparations

By 10 pm, the storm continued moving northeast toward the Upper Blackfoot, the Front, and Great Falls areas. Residents in these regions are advised to prepare for potential severe weather and disruptions.

Recovery efforts are expected to take several days as utility crews work to restore power and clear debris. The community is encouraged to stay updated through local news and follow safety guidelines from emergency services.

For more detailed updates and video coverage of the storm’s impact, visit Newstalk KGVO.

Conclusion

The severe thunderstorms that swept through West Central Montana have caused significant destruction and power outages. With emergency services and utility crews working tirelessly, the focus remains on recovery and restoring normalcy to the affected regions. Residents are advised to conserve resources and stay alert as recovery efforts progress.