The roof of Lincoln Elementary School in Great Falls was torn off on Sunday during a windstorm with gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour in Cascade County. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as confirmed by Great Falls police. The National Weather Service noted that other regional areas, including Carbon, Stillwater, Park, Wheatland, and Sweet Grass counties, experienced similar wind speeds.
Police Sgt. Cara Guderian described the event as a significant disturbance, stating, “The wind has definitely caused a disruption in everyday life here in Great Falls.”
Specific estimates on the extent of property damage have not been given by police, but they confirmed that it was substantial, including downed power lines. Guderian remarked, “I’m not an insurance estimator or anything, but obviously, it’s going to be a lot of damage. You can see by the pictures.”
Great Falls Public Schools announced that Lincoln Elementary will remain closed Monday and Tuesday. City spokesperson Meredith Dawson reported that while tree limbs are down, they were not obstructing traffic; large limbs will be cleared by Parks and Recreation staff on Monday.
Ryan Leach, a meteorologist with the weather service in Missoula, noted that strong winds are common along the Rocky Mountain Front, though this was particularly strong. “This happens to be a very strong one,” Leach stated.
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