weather

Libby residents may not have access to drinkable tap water for some time. Lincoln County health officials issued a boil water notice last week. President Trump has approved an emergency declaration that allows up to $5 million in federal funding to support the health and safety of Montanans living in the affected areas.

Gov. Gianforte issues disaster declaration over storm damage; State senator Jason Ellsworth faces official misconduct charges; Gallatin County appoints replacement for open legislative seat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heavy rains brought severe flooding to northwestern Montana, flooding homes and washing out several roads and bridges. Lincoln County declared a state of emergency Thursday. The City of Libby has issued a boil water order for all users on the city water system.

Weather officials are keeping a close eye on the next installment of wet and windy weather expected to batter the Northern Rockies this week. Another 2 to 5 inches of liquid precipitation could be added to the already saturated terrain of northwest and west-central Montana.