2022_Montana_floods
2022 Montana floods
Natural disaster in the United States
In June 2022, the U.S. state of Montana was hit by heavy, damaging floods in multiple major watersheds including the Yellowstone River.[1] Heavy rain and melting snow over the weekend June 10–13 caused large areas of Yellowstone National Park to be evacuated.[2] On June 14, the water plant in Billings was temporarily shut down.[3] Many houses were damaged as a result, and a number of roads and bridges were destroyed by floodwaters.[4]
The National Weather Service said that heavy rain on top of melting mountain snow pushed the Yellowstone, Stillwater and Clarks Fork rivers to record levels and triggered rock and mudslides. The Montana National Guard said that 87 people had been airlifted by helicopter to safety.[5] Cities and towns affected include Gardiner, Fromberg, Livingston, Red Lodge.[6] On Monday, June 13 Governor Greg Gianforte verbally authorized Lt Governor Kristen Juras to declare a state of emergency.[1][7] Governor Gianforte was vacationing in Italy, and returned Thursday, June 16.[8] On June 16, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to the state of Montana.[9]
On June 18, it was reported that heavier flooding is expected to reach Billings and other areas in Eastern Montana.[10] The flooding so far has reportedly caused $29 million in damage.[11]