Governor Gianforte Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Fort Belknap

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today requested President Donald J. Trump issue an emergency declaration to respond to damage caused by high winds on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

"On December 17, 2025, a historic, long-duration high-wind event and associated blizzard caused widespread destruction across Montana," Gov. Gianforte wrote. "Driven by strong cold fronts undercutting an atmospheric river, the storm produced gusts between 60 and 90 miles per hour (MPH) in valleys and over 100 MPH in mountainous regions. Most critically, the storm caused structural failure of the roof of the water holding tank supplying the Fort Belknap Indian Community."

The governor also wrote that the damage exposed the Fort Belknap's primary water source to potential contaminants, necessitating a boil order for approximately 700 homes, a detention facility, a hospital, restaurants, and tribal offices.

The impact of the wind and snow during the recent weather event significantly affected the entire State of Montana with 43 of 56 counties recording gusts of 70 MPH or greater. In northeastern Montana, these winds combined with heavy snow and led to blizzard conditions lasting up to five hours.

Gov. Gianforte concluded, "Given the severity and complexity of this emergency, I respectfully request FEMA's assistance through an Emergency Declaration. Federal support is essential to ensure the health and safety of the affected population."

The governor's December 24 request to President Trump may be viewed here.

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