MILES CITY — A strong storm swept through Miles City on Saturday evening, toppling trees, causing property damage, and resulting in a widespread power outage.
Residents faced nearly 80 miles per hour winds, experiencing the intensity of the storm. Jackie and Blane Zimmerman, a couple driving home, found themselves caught in the middle of the sudden storm, pushing them into a street.
“As we were driving up North Montana Street, (Blane) noticed what looked like a microburst or tornado on the driver’s side,” Zimmerman recounted. “He warned me to hold on, and suddenly, we were over the tracks and felt the pickup’s rear end lifting before slamming into a pole. In those brief five minutes, we felt the pickup almost tipping, and then it was over.”
Isabel Spartz/MTN News
The Zimmermans witnessed what seemed like two tornado-like wind clouds converging. Though no official confirmation of a tornado’s formation was made, the strong winds created a harrowing experience for them.
“I was trying to figure out where to go, but there was nowhere safe,” Zimmerman explained.
Concerns about the weather gripped many across town. Long-time resident Mary Catherine Dunphy felt the building she lived in for 14 years shake in an unprecedented manner.
“The building started to shake in a way I’ve never felt before. It was really scary, and I thought, ‘Oh, maybe we’re experiencing a tornado here in Miles City,’” Dunphy shared. “I don’t think we’ve had a storm like this since 1995 or 1996 when a similar storm hit Miles City.”
Dunphy fears that storms may worsen for the community, leading to more significant issues.
Miles City resident
Briana and Nathan Mardikian were indoors watching a movie when the storm took a dangerous turn.
“I glanced out the window and saw how windy it was getting, then I heard a crack. The first tree fell in our front yard. It was insane,” Mardikian described.
Several trees fell on the Mardikians’ car, damaging the back half. Neighbors promptly came to their aid in cleaning up. Surprisingly, the car remained drivable, prompting the couple to find a silver lining in the unfortunate event.
“I can still go to Walmart if we need something, so that’s all that matters. We’ll fix it up, and it’ll be a new El Camino,” the Mardikians joked.
Isabel Spartz/MTN News
Though the storm has subsided and power is gradually being restored, many are still pondering the events that unfolded in Miles City that night.
“The severity was evident as both our large trees came down in the front yard,” Mardikian noted. “Despite the sky looking beautiful, it wreaked havoc on us. After our trees fell during the first 15-20 minutes of the storm, it calmed down, the skies cleared, and the sun shone again.”
Residents are grateful that no injuries were reported.
“Ultimately, it’s just a car. Everyone is safe, healthy, and happy,” Mardikian expressed. “We’re thankful it wasn’t our house or our neighbor’s. Nothing major was damaged except for my car, which is replaceable.”
“I’m relieved everyone is safe and helping each other. We’ll get this fixed eventually. We have another vehicle,” the Zimmermans reassured.
