Gov. Bullock declares statewide flooding emergency
A scene from the Helena Valley Monday, April 30, 2018, where Ten Mile Creek jumped its banks and caused flooding in some residential areas. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)
Flood waters from the nearby Clark Fork River flow down Kehrwald Drive off Tower Street on the west side of Missoula, Mont., Monday, April 30, 2018. Last week's warmer temperatures and weekend rain swelled several area rivers and creeks causing some minor flooding. (Kurt Wilson/The Missoulian via AP)
A scene from the Helena Valley Monday, April 30, 2018, where Ten Mile Creek jumped its banks and caused flooding in some residential areas. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)
A scene from the Helena Valley Monday, April 30, 2018, where Ten Mile Creek jumped its banks and caused flooding in some residential areas. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has declared a statewide flooding emergency.
Wednesday's declaration allows the governor to mobilize state resources and the Montana National Guard to protect life, health and property.
Bullock says recent rainfall and rapid snowmelt have combined to cause rivers, streams and tributaries to rise out of their banks across the state.
The State Emergency Coordination Center has received numerous emergency declarations from local and tribal jurisdictions throughout the state.
On April 18, the governor issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to flooding in seven counties, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and in the town of Chester. The counties involved were: Pondera, Hill, Blaine, Valley, Toole, Liberty and Petroleum counties.
Flooding moved into western and central Montana this week.