Governor declares flood disaster in area

Gov. Greg Gianforte declared a disaster Wednesday due to flooding, opening up assistance from the state and the possibility of a federal disaster declaration.

“Runoff from recent rainfall and snowmelt has compromised critical infrastructure and roads in Montana,” Gianforte said in a press release. “This order will help impacted communities rebuild and get back on their feet.”

Following heavy snow this winter through March — including a likely new record for December snowfall in Havre — and temperatures staying relatively cold through the start of April, a large upswing in temperatures the seco...