Governor Gianforte Declares Disaster for Glasgow due to Torrential Rains

Governor Greg Gianforte today declared a disaster in the City of Glasgow in Valley County following severe flash flooding over the July 4th holiday weekend that damaged public infrastructure and impacted local businesses and residents.

On July 3, 2026, multiple slow‑moving thunderstorms delivered intense rainfall over Glasgow, with rainfall rates of around two inches or more per hour. The event damaged several businesses, eroded sloped dirt and gravel roads, and severely damaged some paved roads in multiple locations.

“Montanans in Glasgow experienced sudden, intense flooding that damaged roads, disrupted daily life, and affected local businesses,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This disaster declaration will help the community repair critical infrastructure more quickly and ensure local officials have the support they need to recover.”

On July 23, 2026, the Mayor of Glasgow declared a local disaster in response to the storm’s impacts and activated applicable portions of local emergency plans and programs, including local emergency financing authorities. The scope and cost of the damage, however, exceed the financial capability of the City of Glasgow and Valley County.

With the governor’s executive order, the disaster declaration authorizes the use of state resources and the expenditure of funds from the general fund, as necessary, to meet needs arising from the flooding event. The declaration also supports coordination among the State of Montana, Valley County, and the City of Glasgow to assess damage, address immediate public safety concerns, and begin longer‑term repairs.

“Working with local officials, we’ll continue to do all we can to help Glasgow rebuild stronger and be better prepared for the next storm,” Gov. Gianforte said.

The governor’s executive order can be viewed here.