Helena was hit by a destructive storm system on Sunday evening that fell trees and caused major flooding in the downtown area.
Images and video provided by Helena resident Andy Shirtliff showed water running down Last Chance Gulch to the top of the car wheel wells as people closed business doors to limit entry of water in the establishments.
The Lewis and Clark Library saw flooding in their building. Maintenance teams have quickly set to work removing water. Dave Schulte told MTN that his priority is to remove moisture from the building and dry the air as soon as possible to prevent mold retention. Damage to the library and collection is still being assessed.
MTN News
Fallen trees and branches could be seen all over the city center. A tree fell by the Great Northern Center bus stop.
Viewers at the Helena Cinemark report that the movie theater is being evacuated, with water running down the lobby area. Some vehicles were also initially stranded on the lower level of the Great North parking lot.
Several streets in the Capitol area saw rapid flooding with a number of homeowners reporting basement flooding on MTN.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story that will be updated.