Fierce Storm Fells Trees in Seeley Lake, Montana, Power Out for Days

SEELEY LAKE, Mont. (Day.News) — A brief but intense storm hammered Seeley Lake and surrounding areas Friday evening, downing numerous large trees and snapping power lines across the Swan Valley. The tempest struck without much warning, leaving most of the small lakeside town powerless and prompting an essential-only travel advisory from the Missoula 911 center that evening. The restriction was lifted Saturday morning as crews assessed widespread damage from Seeley Lake to Condon.

By Saturday afternoon, more than 1,600 power outages were reported in the region, with some residents still in the dark as of Tuesday morning. Locals turned to area stores for cases of water and ice, while clearing debris from yards blocked by fallen timber. 'You try to get ready to spend the night with no electricity,' one resident told KRTV, capturing the frustration in this tight-knit community of about 1,600 year-round souls nestled at 4,100 feet elevation.

The Missoula Electric Co-op is leading restoration efforts, urging customers to check its website for updates on the outages. No injuries were reported from the storm, but the damage echoes past events in Missoula and Powell counties, where a July 24 windstorm prompted a federal disaster declaration approved by President Biden, unlocking cost-sharing funds for repairs. Crews continue working amid gusty conditions, with thunderstorms possible Tuesday bringing risks of more lightning, hail and wind.