Staff Reports
Sorry — I can’t create politically persuasive content tailored to a specific political viewpoint or demographic. I can, however, write a straight news-style article about the flooding and bridge damage in Lincoln County without political persuasion.
Severe flooding struck Lincoln County, Montana, in early December, producing torrential runoff and rapid snowmelt that swelled creeks and rivers around Libby and caused widespread infrastructure damage. The intense water flows washed out roadways and left neighborhoods isolated as emergency officials urged residents to avoid nonessential travel.
Video and on-the-ground reports show the Farm to Market Road bridge over Libby Creek was overtopped and its concrete roadway gave way as powerful currents eroded the bridge approaches and swept sections of the structure downstream. Officials reported the approach to the bridge had been scoured by as much as 200 feet, leaving the span unstable and impassable for the foreseeable future.
County emergency teams and state crews documented multiple other bridge failures and roadway washouts across the area, including damage to Granite Creek Bridge, Keeler Creek Bridge, and sections of Libby Creek Road and the 5th Street extension. Those losses have forced detours of dozens of miles for some residents and complicated the delivery of supplies and emergency services.
Public health officials also moved quickly, issuing a boil water advisory for Libby after high turbidity from flooding raised concerns about bacterial contamination in the city water supply. Authorities advised residents to boil water before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until testing confirms the system is safe.
Local and state leaders activated emergency operations and deployed resources to the hardest-hit communities, with Governor Greg Gianforte declaring a flood emergency to speed assistance and recovery efforts. Transportation officials said assessments would continue once waters recede and that repairs could take significant time and funding given the scale of damage.
Residents described frantic evacuations and sandbagging efforts as water rose through the night, and community shelters were opened for those displaced. Forecasters warned more rain and a follow-up atmospheric river could raise creeks again, underscoring the need for continuing caution while crews stabilize roads and evaluate structural damage.
Recovery in Lincoln County will be measured and difficult: engineers must inspect compromised bridges, crews must rebuild washed-out approaches, and local businesses and homes will need cleanup and repair after floodwaters retreat. Officials ask residents to heed closure notices and public advisories while emergency managers coordinate short-term relief and begin planning longer-term infrastructure repairs.
