An extreme cold front drove powerful winds into Montana Wednesday, knocking down trees, obstructing roads and cutting power. Gusts over 90 mph were recorded in parts of the state.

Last week’s atmospheric river dropped over 12 inches of rain across northwest Montana, melting snow and triggering flooding across the region. December rains are more likely as a result of human-caused climate change, says State Climatologist Kelsey Jencso.

Gianforte requests federal disaster declaration due to northwestern Montana flooding; Feds delay Medicaid work requirement applications; 51 people arrested in St. Regis drug bust.

A powerful storm system is expected to crash into a wide swath of Montana this week. Another round of heavy precipitation, destructive wind and widespread power outages are possible, if not likely, according to the National Weather Service.

A federal program that supports schools and infrastructure in rural communities lapsed two years ago. This month, Congress revived it. In 2023, 30 Montana counties received a collective $16 million from the program.

To grizzlies, they're unbearable. To wildlife managers they're a game changer. Drones mounted with thermal cameras are increasingly being used to help reduce conflicts between people and bears. Managers say drones provide them a safer option for hazing bears, and see more technological advances on the horizon.

Emergency managers are releasing water from a dam south of Libby they say is at risk of failing. It comes after a storm last week that brought flooding and high winds to the area. More rain and high winds are expected this week.

A second ballot initiative that would ensure Montana’s judicial elections are nonpartisan is advancing. The initiative was tied up in court when its backers and Attorney General Austin Knudsen disagreed over its wording.

Western Montana’s drought conditions have improved significantly since late summer. North-central Montana’s drought status is changing too, but for the worse.

An atmospheric river flooded Libby and Troy this week. Several bridges washed away and some homes were damaged. The water is receding and county officials are still assessing the damage.