Thousands Lose Power as Storm Batters Northwest Montana

Flathead Electric Cooperative reports over 3,800 members without electricity amid high winds and downed power lines.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful storm has left thousands of Flathead Electric Cooperative members without power in northwest Montana, primarily in Lincoln County where travel has been restricted due to downed power lines. The weather forecast has prompted school closures across the Flathead Valley, and weather experts warn of a 'highly complex series of events' unfolding through the weekend with fluctuating wind speeds and snow levels.

Why it matters

The widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions caused by the storm highlight the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure to extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. The storm's impact on schools and the local community underscores the need for robust emergency preparedness and resilience measures.

The details

As of Thursday morning, around 3,800 Flathead Electric Cooperative members are without power, with the highest concentration of outages near Libby and along U.S. Highway 2 from Marion to Essex. Multiple power poles have been downed across the system, requiring extensive repair work. Road closures due to flooding and downed trees have also been reported in Lincoln County, including on Granite Creek Road, Farm to Market Road, and Montana Highway 56 near Noxon.

  • On Thursday morning, roughly 3,800 Flathead Electric Cooperative members were without power.
  • The weather forecast and prediction of widespread power outages prompted school closures across the Flathead Valley on Thursday.
  • Windy conditions and snow levels are expected to fluctuate through the weekend, with a cold front moving through the region on Saturday and an Arctic airmass bringing heavy snow on Sunday night.

The players

Flathead Electric Cooperative

A utility cooperative that provides electricity to customers in northwest Montana.

Flathead Avalanche Center

An organization that issues avalanche warnings for the Flathead, Swan, and Whitefish Ranges in Montana.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings in the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Flathead Avalanche Center will continue to monitor the snowpack and issue updates on avalanche conditions, while the National Weather Service will track the progression of the storm system and provide ongoing forecasts for the region.

The takeaway

This storm highlights the need for robust emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in northwest Montana, as extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent due to climate change. The widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions underscore the vulnerability of the region's communities to the impacts of severe storms.