This article examines the cascading impacts of an unprecedented flooding-across-washington-state/”>atmospheric river event in northwest Montana, focusing on Libby and Lincoln County.
It explains how extreme flooding, compounded by powerful winds, has damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted power and water services, and raised complex public health and environmental concerns—particularly in a region already burdened by a legacy of asbestos contamination.
It also outlines the multi-level emergency response and the scientific and safety considerations that will shape recovery in the weeks and months ahead.
Unprecedented Atmospheric River and Widespread Flooding
In less than a week, an atmospheric river—a concentrated corridor of moisture in the atmosphere—delivered record rainfall to northwest Montana.
These events, once considered rare in the interior Northwest, are now being recognized as major drivers of cold-season flooding across the region.
The resulting floodwaters swept across Libby and greater Lincoln County, overwhelming streams and rivers and causing extensive damage to both public and private property.
The most severe impacts clustered around low-lying areas, river crossings, and slopes prone to instability.
Bridge Damage and Isolation of Communities
Flooding compromised at least nine bridges, a critical blow in a region where river crossings are lifelines for rural residents.
The loss of these structures has forced detours of up to 40 miles for people traveling between Libby, Troy, and surrounding communities.
This level of infrastructure damage complicates emergency response and delays medical access.
It also disrupts supply chains and heightens social and economic stress in communities already grappling with challenging winter conditions.
High Winds Compound the Disaster
Just as floodwaters began to recede, a powerful wind event swept across Montana, turning a hydrologic disaster into a multi-hazard emergency.
High winds striking saturated soils create particularly dangerous conditions, as weakened root systems can no longer stabilize trees and slopes.
Statewide, the storm knocked out power to more than 60,000 customers.
Over 3,000 people in the Libby area were still without electricity more than 24 hours after the winds hit.
Fallen Trees, Power Outages, and Safety Risks
Emergency officials report that saturated ground and region-wide damage have limited mutual aid—the ability of neighboring communities to send repair crews and equipment.
This has slowed restoration efforts and extended outages, particularly in remote areas.
Residents were warned that weakened trees may continue to fall even after winds subside, underlining the extended nature of the threat.
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the Kootenai/Cabinet region, urging people to:
Emergency Declarations and Incident Management
Recognizing the scale of the disaster, Gov. Greg Gianforte declared a state flooding disaster.
This action unlocks state general fund resources and formally acknowledges that local capabilities are insufficient to manage the crisis alone.
A Type 3 All Hazard Incident Management Team has taken command of the response.
The team is coordinating among local agencies, utilities, health departments, and state officials.
Request for Federal Assistance
State leaders have requested a presidential disaster declaration and support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Such a declaration would enable:
As of the latest reports, no federal response had yet been formally announced.
Evacuations, Water Safety, and Public Health
Beyond physical infrastructure, the floods and winds have created a complex mosaic of public health and safety issues.
Authorities must manage immediate risks—such as unstable bridges and contaminated water—while remaining vigilant for longer-term environmental exposures.
Near Bull Lake, an evacuation or stay-in-place order remains in effect.
Debris flows are threatening the already closed Ross Creeks Cedars Bridge, and any sudden failure could further isolate residents or endanger those downstream.
Boil Water Order and Heavy Metal Testing
Flooding damaged Libby’s municipal water source, triggering a boil water order.
Residents are advised to boil tap water before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth to reduce the risk of exposure to microbial contaminants that often accompany flood events.
The Red Cross has set up emergency sheltering for residents displaced by flooding, bridge closures, and power outages.
At the same time, water experts are conducting ongoing testing for heavy metals—a critical step in a community with a legacy of industrial contamination.
The Libby Asbestos Superfund Site: A Unique Layer of Risk
Libby is home to one of the nation’s most complex environmental cleanups: the Libby Asbestos Superfund site, where vermiculite mining contaminated the community with asbestos for decades.
Severe flooding in such areas raises specialized concerns about contaminant remobilization.
Officials are closely monitoring for any potential exposure of vermiculite and asbestos as floodwaters erode soils and disturb previously remediated zones.
Current Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring
At present, authorities report no immediate danger identified from renewed asbestos exposure. However, ongoing assessment is essential.
Flood events can redistribute contaminated sediments. Saturated soils may alter the stability of remediated areas.
This event underscores the importance of integrating climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and environmental remediation. As extreme weather episodes become more frequent, communities like Libby—already coping with legacy pollution—will require sustained monitoring.
Here is the source article for this story: Extreme weather pattern continues to impact Libby, Lincoln County