Governor Gianforte Requests Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Severe Windstorm

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday requested President Donald J. Trump issue a presidential Major Disaster Declaration as a result of the severe windstorm that affected nearly all counties in Montana.

"Beginning late on December 16, 2025, the State of Montana experienced a long-duration, high impact wind event and associated blizzard resulting in widespread damage and impacts to the region," Gov. Gianforte wrote in a letter to Pres. Trump. "Significantly eclipsing prior December events, this storm delivered frequent gusts between 60 and 90 MPH in valleys and over 100 MPH in the mountains for multiple hours, primarily during the morning. Reported impacts from the significant treefall event include blocked roads and trails, widespread power outages, crushed vehicles, and structure damage."

In addition to outlining the conditions which triggered the disaster, the governor's request highlights the known impacts of the disaster on Montana communities and requested that the declaration be authorized and designated specifically for 28 counties and five tribal nations in Montana.

"The totality of impact from the most detrimental windstorm in 30 years is estimated to be $13.3 million. Damages, response, and recovery efforts impacted 45 of 56 Montana Counties, five of seven Tribal Nations including one with significant water system damages, five school districts, and 19 of 25 Rural Electrical Cooperatives. Damage from the storm is spread across eighty percent of Montana," the governor wrote.

Underscoring the impact of the wind event occurring only days after significant flooding in northwest Montana, Gov. Gianforte added, "The State of Montana is facing significant effects from this windstorm, coming immediately on the heels of the Lincoln County flood, occurring only days prior. The request for a Major Disaster Declaration submitted on January 9, 2026, for the Lincoln County flooding totaled $9.968 million, and this current request for windstorm damages is $6.5 million."

The governor concluded, "These recent historic disasters impacted the State of Montana within one week of each other. The magnitude of both events equates to approximately 8x Montana's statewide per capita indicator, with initial Joint Preliminary Assessed costs estimated at $16.3 million cumulatively. This is unparalleled for this time of year and occurred before the anticipated spring runoff. Consequently, over one third of the verified windstorm damage occurred in northwest Montana, which is the focus of my preceding Major Disaster Declaration request."

Specifically noting impacts to local schools, the governor notes, "Five small community schools suffered catastrophic roof failures, forcing students to use temporary facilities or alternative education solutions. One of these historic schools located in Stillwater County was insulated with asbestos. The impact and damage of the windstorm to this school caused a large spread of their asbestos insulation, creating a hazard for the school and its surrounding community."

He continues, "The safe cleanup of this damage is anticipated to be extensive, long-term, and costly. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate cleanup and mitigation efforts for this location and restore use of a historic education facility for students and faculty."

The governor's letter to President Trump may be viewed here.

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