Montana governor asks Biden for ‘major disaster declaration’ for Missoula

Gov. Greg Gianforte has requested President Joe Biden issue a presidential major disaster declaration in response to the major windstorm in Missoula that occurred in late July, his office said Thursday.

The governor’s request is for Missoula and Powell counties.

“On the evening of July 24, 2024, long lasting thunderstorms produced strong damaging winds in west central Montana, particularly in the Missoula County area,” Gov. Gianforte wrote in a letter to the president.

“When these thunderstorms settled into to the Missoula area, they produced gusts of winds of 109 mph on Mt. Sentinel, 81 mph at the Missoula Airport and an estimated 90-100 mph winds throughout the city of Missoula. These wind speeds are consistent with the extensive widespread damage across the city and counties.”

In addition to outlining the conditions that triggered the disaster, the governor’s request highlights the known impacts of the disaster on Montana communities, according to a news release.

“The wind downed multiple powerlines throughout the counties leaving several thousand people without power for up to eight days,” the governor wrote.

In the storm’s aftermath, Gianforte visited Missoula and received a briefing at the Emergency Operations Center. The news release said he thanked first responders, Missoula Electric Cooperative, NorthWestern Energy, and local officials for working to restore power and help the community recover.

The governor’s request to President Biden may be viewed here.

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