FERNDALE — Strong winds in the Flathead Valley caused trees to fall onto power lines on Wednesday, leaving thousands of residents without electricity.
Large numbers of Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) crew members were busy working to restore power off Montana Highway 83 near Ferndale. Coop officials told MTN News that more than 30 downed trees reported on Marken Loop Road.
FEC operations supervisor John Hanson says strong winds are expected to last throughout the evening and that it’s not known at this time when all power will be restored.
“It’s going to be awhile but we’re working on it. There are several other areas around the Swan and the valley here that we’re going to have to deal with and it will probably be awhile until we get everything back on,” said Hanson.
Hanson advises residents to back away from downed power lines and to call the Flathead Electric Cooperative immediately. A high wind warning in the Flathead Valley remained in effect until 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
