Estimates Show Up to 18K Without Power Monday Night — NorthWestern Energy Kept Customers Updated, Worked Late Into Night, Early Tuesday Morning

A category one hurricane wind gust was felt near Missoula International Airport Monday night, reaching gusts of up to 74 mph. Thousands are still without power in Missoula. 

Additional staff was brought in Monday night to help with road closures, directing traffic, and cleanup throughout Missoula Valley.

A fire was also reported on a hill above I-90 by the Orange Street and Reserve Street exits.

Despite the tremendous winds and not-so-torrential down pour, uprooted trees and power lines are still being reported. NorthWestern Energy reported on Facebook at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning that about 3,200 customers are still without power.

Added crews from Butte, Helena, GF starting this a.m. At least 60 lines, poles down.

NorthWestern Energy reported outages as far as Hamilton and Bonner, as crews worked late into the evening on Monday and early into Tuesday morning. NorthWestern Energy estimated 18,000 people were without power in the Missoula area Monday night.

Believe it or not, NBC Montana reports more thunderstorms are expected this evening. Do you have any additional information? Comment below.