More Closures Due to Montana Floods

The Bureau of Land Management has added some recreation sites to areas that are closed due to flooding, especially near Yellowstone National Park.

In a Tuesday news advisory, BLM immediately closed (until further notice):

You can add those to the numerous closures that include all of Yellowstone National Park and activities on the Yellowstone River. Officials are advising people to stay off the water until flows subside. That includes the BLM boat launch sites.

National Guard Response Increased

The Montana National Guard helicopters have made three rescue flights, bringing 12 people to safety from flooded areas in Cooke City, Fromberg and Roscoe, Montana. There are now four National Guard helicopters staged at the Billings airport. A National Guard Command Center will be set up at Red Lodge to help Search and Rescue there.

Over a dozen sites have popped up on the GoFundMe website, including one that is called "Help Rebuild Red Lodge Montana." If you've seen video from that area, you know what they're talking about. Always make sure your donations are going to the proper locations. A good indication of that is the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.

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Meanwhile, Governor Greg Gianforte has declared a statewide disaster due to severe flooding. Both Montana Senators have supported the declaration. In a news release, Senator Steve Daines said, "I fully support Governor Gianforte's statewide disaster declaration to help impacted communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and I stand ready to facilitate recovery efforts in at the federal level."

Senator Jon Tester said he was closely following the developments. He said in a news release, "I'm in touch with local, state and federal officials to make sure that folks on the ground are getting the help they need as swiftly as possible, and I appreciate the work of our first responders in keeping folks safe."