Montana Police Share Shocking Numbers From The Busy Windy Day

Okay, so when I first learned I was coming to Great Falls, Montana - I never, in a million years, would have imagined that I would be in one of the windiest places in all of America. Of course, I expected farms, ranches, open land... I even imagined more mountains!

But the wind? That's a new one for me.

The Wind's Impact On Montanans

While I was taken back by the strength of the wind, some longtime locals weren't all that surprised.

"Oh, that's just another windy day in Montana."

Cue my eyebrows going to the top and back of my head. When I did more research, I learned that Great Falls is one of the top five windiest cities according to World Atlas.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons To Thank A Montana Road Worker

So, there's a ring of truth to that... but that doesn't mean the wind won't cause problems. Countless posts went up on social media yesterday showing fallen trees and even a tipped over 18-wheelers according to KRTV.

And first responders? They had quite a busy day as well!

Helena Police Share Historic Numbers Following Windy Day

In a post shared to Facebook, Helena Police shared some crazy numbers about their busy day yesterday.

According to their post, Helena Montana Police Department had their hands full with the following:

• 1,029 phone calls — about a 300% increase from our daily average
• 505 calls for service (CFS)
• 131 downed power lines
•  9 vehicle rollovers
• 98 public safety & road hazards (including downed trees, street signs, traffic lights out, blown-off railroad crossing arms, and small outbuildings at risk)

The department also shared some interesting facts to go with their report. For example, the 1,029 phone calls is "about a 300% increase" from their daily average. They also set a record for their "calls for service" at 505 with their 10-year December average being 135.

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With all of that said, here's a shout out to ALL first responders, electrical workers, and anyone who had any part in keeping us safe, getting our power back, and keeping us informed.

Thank you for your service.