GREAT FALLS — The high winds in Great Falls have been causing a number of incidents all over. We have been receiving viewer reports as well as photos and videos.
Here are a few of the reports we are following:
Just after 3:00 pm we received reports of a semi rolled over on U.S. Highway 89 by mile marker 76, near Belt. Initial reports indicate the semi is blocking 3 of the 4 lanes. This was just after receiving word that the road is shut down from Great Falls to Belt due to the high winds and low visibility.
Numerous power lines around town have been knocked over due to the wind, causing power outages. We are receiving unconfirmed reports of roads in Great Falls being shut down due to power lines and trees blocking the road. We have heard several reports of roofs being blown off of homes and at least two of those have affected power lines nearby.
Traffic signals are out on 10th Avenue South from Warden Bridge (2nd Street South) to at least 32nd Street South. They are also reportedly down at 25th Street and Central Avenue but this has not been confirmed.
REMINDER: If traffic signals are not working, drivers should treat the intersection as a complete stop in all directions.
Power outages have been reported in many areas of Great Falls as well as surrounding areas.
U.S. Highway 87 is closed between Great Falls and Fort Benton as well as Fort Benton and Geraldine. There have been a number of accidents caused by dust and smoke as well as low visibility. Geraldine Schools are also cancelling the Centerville and Geraldine High School basketball games this afternoon due to the road closures. They will update teams if they reschedule the games but at this time they are cancelled.
Heart Butte Basketball games have been cancelled as well.
MT - 80 is also closed between Fort Benton and Square Butte due to wind and fire creating zero visibility. MTN News has been told there is a ranch fire involving 2 ranches near Montague but we have not confirmed this yet.
Reports are now coming in of a "brown out" between Great Falls and Belt and drivers are urged to use caution in the area.
Great Falls Fire Rescue also posted this warning to their Facebook Page.
We received photos of this roof that had blown off of a stable at the Montana Expo Park. It does not appear to be causing any other problems at this time.
We will continue to update as we get them. The agencies responding to these emergencies are making sure the community is safe. Please be respectful and careful if you are out in these conditions.
