Independent entry
Flash flooding hit Lewis and Clark County Sunday night, pelting the ground with hail and sending a small river of rainwater rising toward wheel wells and splashing into business doors across the Helena Last Chance Gap.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the county until 9:15 p.m. Sunday.
“Up to 1 inch of rain has fallen,” the NWS said. “Flash floods are already happening.”
Matt Ludwig, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said they are aware of the possibility of severe thunderstorms, but think they will hit south of Helena.
He said it appears to be a supercell thunderstorm that has crossed the Continental Divide.
Significant flooding in Helena tonight. Video by Andy Shirtliff #mtwx pic.twitter.com/3E958RBbgi
— Ryan Dennis (@RyanDennisWX) July 4, 2022
“This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation,” weather officials said.
Places that saw flash flooding include Helena, East Helena and Spring Meadow Lake State Park.
Posts on social media showed a small river flowing down Last Chance Gulch and floodwaters crashing into the doors of businesses.
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Ludwig also said there were reports of flooding along Winnie Avenue.
Weather officials warned that the heavy rain would affect rivers, streams, urban areas and subways.
An epic shot from East Helena. The storm brought pea-sized hail and wind gusts of 70 mph to the city of Helena. #MTwx
📸: Stephanie Whitham pic.twitter.com/1KB643n8Ym
— Erik Johnson (@erik_wx) July 4, 2022
Helena Fire Chief John Campbell said he heard from his crew that the 911 center received so many calls that the volume, along with the weather, affected the system. He said he has dozens of calls about downed trees and waiting for welfare and other calls. He said that many people were able to solve the problems themselves.
He said there were reports of people stranded on Mount Helena, but they were able to get off the mountain before rescuers arrived.
Campbell said there were also several reports of flooding among downtown residents and businesses.
Ludwig said the storm has moved into northern Meagher County.
Sheriff Leo Dutton said he has heard some reports of flooding in Helena, but none in the county outside the city.
Hail pelted a Helena-area porch late Sunday afternoon.
Sheriff Leo Dutton
The Met Office has urged people to use caution when driving and encountering flooded roads.
“Turn around, don’t drown… Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” they said.
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