One Year Later: Missoula’s Epic Windstorm Still Leaves Its Mark

Western Montana has seen a few weather changes in the past couple of weeks. We experienced a cold front move into the area. When that happened, we got some wind from it. It wasn’t too extreme – around 45 miles per hour, but it was enough to cause some problems. 

The Day the Winds Came

When I was leaving for work the other day the wind that came through was enough to take down a tree on my street. It didn’t hit any vehicles that normally park in that area, and it looks like there was no damage. 

The tree that came down was damaged during the epic storm we had last year and finally came down almost exactly a year later. 

This week is the year anniversary of what I refer to as “The Storm”. Missoula experienced a record storm that day. It was unlike any storm I had ever experienced in all my years living here.

Remembering the 100 MPH Storm

To have winds clocked at over 100 miles per hour is something I never thought I would see in Missoula.  

READ MORE: Missoula County: What You Need to Know After the Sever Thunderstorm

There are a few things that I distinctly remember from that day. My house was one of the many that lost power that night. Our neighborhood didn't get power back until four days later. 

Get our free mobile app

I remember recycling day the next day so there were aluminum cans and cardboard scattered all over my neighborhood.  I also remember trying to go to sleep with the sound of chainsaws echoing around the neighborhood.  

The next day working on the radio we were able to talk to our listeners and give them updates and information on the damage and the cleanup after.

READ MORE: You Did Great! Missoula Storm Cleanup Is Almost Done

The storm created some very dangerous situations around town, like downed power lines and trees falling on homes and cars. Missoula was very lucky it wasn’t much worse. 

You can still see remnants of the storm around town a year later. There are new fences in some places, and the removal of trees and dangerous branches is still happening and could continue for years to come.