With flooding emergencies in almost every county in our listening area, eastern Montana and Northern Wyoming producers find themselves dealing with the worst flood disaster in decades.
Network weathercaster John Pulasky says the wet spring and heavy mountain snowpack, combined with several inches of rain this past week have left soils saturated, and caused unsually heavy run-off.
Sunday, in a special two-hour live report on AM790 KGHL in Billings, Russell Nemetz and Taylor Brown interviewed Pulasky, along with several local leaders, to ascertain the damage to the southcentral Montana area.
Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund flew Sheriff Mike Linder in his plane over the flooding at Blue Creek, Pryor Creek, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Huntley Project. They reported widespread areas where roads were covered by water, and homes and outbuildings surrounded by flooding.
Duane Winslow, Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services Director explained his decision to activate the Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) to coordinate Disaster activities. Later Sunday afternoon, KGHL broadcast Winslow’s live Press Conference from the E.O.C., where he explained what services are available and how to report local emergencies. Winslow estimate that there were 100 homes that were currently either evacuated, or whose occupants were isolated by high floodwaters.
In the live broadcast, Yellowstone County Commissioner Bill Kennedy told KGHL listeners that it is up to local County Commissioners to evaluate the damage and determine whether to request state or federal aid. Even for local leaders with experience in disasters…this is particularly challenging because it is a very widespread emergency that has impacted many counties.
WHAT TO DO:
If you are threatened by immediate danger to life or property, call 911 for emergency assistance,
If you are stranded or have no place to stay, the American Red Cross has set up two Emergency Shelters: one in Lodge Grass at the High School; and one in Billings at the LDS Church at 1711 Sixth Street West. They estimate that 30 to 40 individuals have already come in to each facility, where they can get shelter, clothing, cots, and even first aid. To reach the local Red Cross, call 1-800-272-6668.
Others interviewed by Russell and Taylor included Tim Miller of the Yellowstone County Road Department, and Sheriff Mike Linder. In their area, they are providing sand bags at the Sheriff’s office on 3rd Avenue in downtown Billings, and sand is available at a location across the street from Newman School on South Billings Boulevard.
Many of our listeners will be displaced and impacted for a few days until flood waters reside. Please use caution, be patient, and report all emergiencies to the proper authorities.
—posted by Taylor Brown and Russell Nemetz
