Missoula Thunderstorm Caused About $2 Million in Damages

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The historic extreme thunderstorm that swept through Western Montana Wednesday night caused an estimated $2 million in damages to power lines, homes, and Missoula’s beloved population of trees.

I attended the post-storm press conference Monday afternoon at the Missoula County Courthouse that featured Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis, County Commissioner Josh Slotnick, Fire Chief Gordy Hughes, DES Director Adriane Beck, and City Arborist Morgan Valiant.

Mayor Davis Pointed out that there were No Deaths or Serious Injuries Reported

Mayor Davis pointed out one very important fact; no deaths or serious injuries.

“Local government agencies mobilized immediately Wednesday evening to prioritize life safety following the storm,” began Mayor Davis. “To be honest, it was during the storm that I became so grateful that we have had no reported deaths or injuries as a result. Really, it's remarkable. Beyond that, though, we wish to acknowledge just how incredible this (storm event) has upended many people's lives.”

DES Director Beck provided the basic response numbers.

Missoula's 9-1-1 Center Took Nearly 1,200 Calls About the Storm

“During the storm, our 911 Center took about 1,200 9-1-1 calls on the three-digit 9-1-1 line,” said Beck. “People who experienced that call didn't get picked up right away. That system is as designed. We only can take in so many calls at once. Only a certain number of circuits are available, and so we have an agreement with Flathead County that when that happens, those 911 calls roll over to the Flathead dispatch center where they can take the call and get that information back down to us on back channel lines.”

Beck put a number to the infrastructure damage experienced on Wednesday night.

“We're guesstimating that when we look at the damage experienced by Missoula Electric Co-op in conjunction with city and county that we're probably close to that $2 million figure, but we don't know that for sure yet. That's just based on what we know right now, and what we're what we're seeing in the field.”

Regarding government emergency disaster assistance, Beck said her requests have been answered.

Officials are Hoping for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for FEMA Funds

“We put in a request to Governor Gianforte for a state declaration that did come, but obviously, we're still in response mode,” she said. “We're still trying to make sure we keep the lights on and all of those things, but we're capturing that damage, and we're understanding the situation such that, if appropriate, we have the opportunity to ask for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. The reason we’re asking for a disaster declaration at the federal level is that request then opens up the opportunity to have FEMA assistance to the (local) government to help cover some of those costs and some of those damages.”

RELATED STORIES

• Missoula Police Requests Essential Travel Only
• Missoula County: What You Need to Know After the Severe Thunder Storm
• Thousands of Customers Still Need Power After Montana Storm
• Missoula Fire Chief on Community Response After Storm
• 200+ Lightning Strikes Reported Near Missoula Following Storm
• The Aftermath From Last Night’s Wild Storm in Missoula [Photos]
• Missoula County: Do Not Go in Area Streams or Rivers and Other Key Information

The winds during Wednesday night’s storm were clocked at 81 miles per hour in the Missoula Valley, with a 120 mph gust recorded on Mount Sentinel.