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Flathead County declares local emergency as high winds and heavy snow hit
Summary
The Flathead County Board of Commissioners declared a local emergency Dec. 17 after National Weather Service warnings for high winds and a winter storm; the declaration authorizes the sheriff to order evacuations and unlocks emergency disaster funds in Fund 2260.
The Flathead County Board of Commissioners declared a local emergency on Dec. 17 after the National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the county and a winter storm warning for its eastern portion, the board said at an emergency meeting.
The emergency declaration, read aloud by the chair, cited downed power lines and "dangerous to impossible travel conditions" from heavy snow and sustained winds. The board said the declaration was made under "section ten-three-four 0 2 MCA" and took effect Dec. 17, 2025.
The declaration gives the Flathead County sheriff authority to direct and compel evacuation of all or part of the population in an emergency area, to control ingress and egress to and from an affected area, to control movement within it and to regulate occupancy of premises, according to the language read into the record. It also authorizes the county to spend from Fund 2260 (emergency disaster) "for the purpose of dealing with extreme weather conditions in Flathead County."
Committee member (S3) moved to adopt the declaration "as read." Committee member (S2) seconded. Committee member (S3) urged the board to contact the governor's office and request that Flathead County be added to the state's declaration, saying, "I think it would be prudent for us to contact the governor and let him know so that and with a request that we be added to the state's declaration." Other commissioners indicated agreement.
The chair called for a voice vote; two commissioners verbally responded "Aye," and the chair announced the motion carried. The chair noted the resolution number had not yet been assigned and would be attached later. The meeting adjourned immediately after the vote.
What happens next: the declaration is in place and grants local emergency powers and fund access; commissioners agreed to seek inclusion in the state's declaration. The record does not specify which offices will carry out follow-up communications or the timetable for any evacuation or deployment of funds.
