Jasmine Augustine lives near Parmenter Creek, just south of Libby, Montana. Recently, heavy rain and melting snow caused the creek to overflow, affecting the nearby trail. Augustine shared her memories of enjoying the creek’s waterfall, now likely lost to the floods.
Lincoln County faced significant flooding this week due to a mix of intense rain and unseasonably warm temperatures. Roads and at least nine bridges were washed out, prompting a boil order for the local water supply and a disaster declaration from Governor Greg Gianforte. This declaration opens up additional resources for emergency response.
Emergency teams from local, state, and federal agencies, along with the American Red Cross, are on the scene. Meteorologist Trent Parker mentioned that more rain is expected soon, which could further complicate the situation.
“We’ll see a cold front sometime Wednesday,” he said. “This should help reduce flooding by locking in some of that snowmelt.”
Fortunately, so far, there have been no reported injuries. Zach Sherbo, the county’s public health manager, noted that assessing the damage is still challenging.
Local residents have faced detours of up to 40 miles due to road closures. Rivers like the Fisher and Yaak have risen dramatically, contributing to the hazardous conditions.
As part of the response effort, Lt. Col. Thomas Figarelle stated that the Montana National Guard is prepared but has not yet been activated. “We remain ready to assist,” he affirmed.
Power infrastructure has held steady, according to Jason Williams from Flathead Electric Cooperative. Although they briefly cut power to some members for safety, there have been no major outages directly linked to floodwaters.
Community spirit shines amid challenges. Dallas Bowe opened up the local rodeo arena as a refuge for livestock. “It’s tough for owners to find safe places for their animals in emergencies,” she explained.
This unusual weather spike has been a recipe for disaster, as noted by meteorologist Parker. Such combinations are rare in December and can lead to severe flooding.
In summary, Lincoln County is facing a challenging situation due to unexpected flooding. Local organizations and community members are stepping up to help one another. With ongoing updates expected, residents remain hopeful as they navigate this crisis.
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