MISSOULA – A large flatbed truck reportedly caused a widespread power outage when it hooked a power line that was across Queen Street in Missoula.
Nobody was hurt at this scene. Missoula Police also have the area blocked off for safety, and Northwestern Energy is also in the area.
Power is coming on slowly across the affected areas, and drivers are urged to be careful if they come upon an intersection that does not have functioning traffic lights.
Missoula Police received multiple reports of malfunctioning traffic signals around Missoula Wednesday. MPD said traffic signals were observed to be inactive at the intersections of South and Higgins avenues, as well as on Brooks St. near the intersections of Oxford St. and Stephens Ave.
Northwestern Energy says that a power outage in the area affected about 3,348 customers, but that power has recently been restores to all but 149 customers until repairs are made.
Pole damage caused a 3348 customer outage in Missoula. Crews have restored most customer with 149 out until repairs are made. Thank you for your patience. ^NF
— NorthWestern Energy (@NWEinfo) March 20, 2019
The outages have also affected Missoula County Public Schools, who issued a statement to parents who may have students in affected classes:
As of 1:30 p.m., all phones and Internet went down for all MCPS schools. There are some sporadic instances where phones are working on and off at certain schools. This is connected to a power outage currently being reported by NorthWestern Energy at a power pole in the Pattee Canyon Area. We may not have phones back up before the end of the school day.
Each school has access to cell phone communication in the event of an emergency. We are also able to communicate within our school district to each school.
All of our security systems and fire alarm systems are currently working and school will continue on a normal schedule.
If you have an emergency need and must be in contact with a school, please call this number: 406-552-8124. Our district receptionist will relay that message directly to the school.
