Governor Greg Gianforte issued two executive orders on Friday declaring disasters related to severe weather events in Hamilton, Stevensville and Miles City.
“Stevensville, Hamilton, and Miles City recently experienced severe weather and these executive orders authorize additional resources for these communities to address critical needs they are facing,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The State of Montana will continue to come alongside local leaders as they recover from these devastating weather events.”
On July 13, Miles City experienced a severe thunderstorm event with wind gusts of 70 to 72 mph, lightning strikes, and hail, alongside other significant weather impacts. The storm inflicted substantial damage through uprooted trees, downed power lines, and tree damage to vehicles, homes, commercial buildings, and public areas.
On August 23, the Town of Stevensville and City of Hamilton both experienced a severe thunderstorm event, with high wind gusts of at least 26 mph, with reported gusts in surrounding areas of up to 52 mph. The event inflicted damage on both localities, including trees falling in public streets, city parks and other public areas, which damaged parked vehicles, homes, and power lines, disrupting power services, and impacting delivery of government services, including at the Hamilton’s wastewater treatment facility.
The cities, counties, and electrical cooperatives have expended considerable amounts of resources and manpower in taking all possible actions to respond, mitigate, repair, and alleviate the situation.
With the disaster declarations issued, the State of Montana will expend funds from the general fund to meet contingencies and needs arising from these conditions and help impacted communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
For nonemergency public inquiries on restoration and assistance, call (406) 258-4636.