Summer Storm Season
If you recall, this time last year, our crews were in the beginning stages of a massive cleanup effort following one of the most significant storms in our Cooperative’s history.
On July 24, 2024, western Montana was blindsided by what many locals now refer to as “the storm of the century.” Wind speeds reached up to 109 mph – just shy of a Category 3 hurricane – and left a wake of destruction across our region. Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) faced one of its greatest challenges, as nearly 95% of our system experienced widespread outages. More than 80 power poles were snapped or brought down, and thousands of our members lost power – some for several days.
But it was in those moments that we saw the very best of our community. Our line crews, supported by neighboring utilities, worked around the clock to restore power. Our member service reps fielded countless calls with care. And you, our members, met the challenge with patience, resilience, and gratitude.
Here we are, one year later, in the midst of another summer storm season. While we hope to avoid a storm of last year’s magnitude, we know that Montana can present unpredictable and sometimes severe weather. At MEC, we remain vigilant and ready. Our line crews are trained, equipped, and on-call 24/7 in the event of outages.
And just like last year, we’re committed to keeping you informed and safe. To help you stay connected, we encourage members to sign up for automated outage notifications through MEC’s online member portal. You can choose your preferred method, whether it’s a phone call, text, or email, and receive timely alerts when your service is interrupted and restored. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected during an outage and monitor real-time restoration progress. You can also follow us on Facebook for major outage alerts and updates.
Storms will always be a part of Montana living – whether it be a blizzard in January or a windstorm in June – but they don’t have to catch us off guard. As you fire up the grill or head outdoors for an evening walk, we encourage you to consider storm preparations. Because we can’t control the weather, but we can control how we prepare and respond.
There are a few key steps you can take to protect yourself and your family before severe weather strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends assembling a basic emergency kit that includes:
• A three-day supply of non-perishable food and water;
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable radio;
• A fully stocked First Aid kit and up-to-date prescriptions;
• Personal hygiene and sanitation items;
• A manual can opener and basic tools;
• A backup power plan if you rely on electrically powered medical equipment.
Last year proved that even in the face of unimaginable destruction, our Cooperative and community will rise to the occasion. That storm tested us, but it also reminded us how strong we are together. We hope for calm skies ahead – but we’ll be ready, come what may.
