Fergus County declares state of emergency, citing upcoming winter storm

FERGUS COUNTY, Mont. – Fergus County declared a state of emergency with hopes to proactively prepare for an upcoming winter storm.

Fergus County Disaster Emergency Services (DES) posted about the declaration on Facebook and said it worked with the Fergus County Commissioners and the Fergus County Sheriff to reach the decision.

“While that sounds intense, it is actually a standard, proactive move that gives us the tools we need to keep you safe,” Fergus County DES wrote.

The proclamation said the County and the City of Lewiston was facing a predicted eight to 18 inches or more of snow, as well as wind gusts reaching up to 65 miles per hour.

“These extreme conditions are expected to create life-threatening travel hazards, near-zero visibility, and the potential for power outages and blocked access for emergency services throughout both urban and rural areas of the county,” the proclamation says.

Fergus DES wrote in its post that the emergency declaration would allow the local government to procure mutual aid and buy emergency supplies. It also said the declaration activates the Emergency Operations Plan, unifying resources from different agencies and providing legal protections to first responders and snow plow crews.

It also said the emergency declaration allowed the County to enforce safety measures like closing hazardous roads.

“The Bottom Line: We aren't just reacting to the storm; we are getting ahead of it. By declaring an emergency now, we ensure that every resource is available to keep Fergus County moving—and to help you ride this out safely,” Fergus DES wrote.