Governor Gianforte Issues Executive Order Declaring Wind Disaster

Governor's Office

On December 17, Montana began experiencing a severe, damaging high-wind event with record-setting high winds, including gusts over 90 mph and sustained winds near 65 mph. These winds caused widespread damage to power lines, trees, vehicles, and buildings, and created large amounts of debris from fallen or damaged trees.

Ravalli, Wheatland, Mineral and Flathead counties as well as the cities of Hamilton and Harlowton have enacted emergency declarations and city, county, state, and tribal personnel are working to remove debris. Additionally, the Montana Disaster & Emergency Services State Emergency Coordination Center is activated and expects to receive declarations of emergencies from additional local and tribal jurisdictions as a winter storm cell continues to move through central and eastern Montana.

Gov. Gianforte's executive order authorizes use of necessary state government services and funds to meet the needs arising from this event.

The governor's executive order may be viewed here .

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