Flooding in Eastern Montana While Missoula Sees Less Precipitation Than Average

A unique weather pattern is dumping tons of water into parched eastern Montana, while other areas of the state are dealing with less rain than usual.

"Most of [the rain] is well east of the divide," said National Weather Service hydrologist Leeann Alegretto. "They've had an incredible, slow moving system that has pulled Gulf of Mexico moisture up into eastern Montana, if you can believe that. This happens every once in a while and, just because of all of the moisture in that system, it's been wrapping around and effecting almost all of eastern Montana. Now they've got some flooding problems."

Though the floods may cause some damage, the water is much needed. Especially after most of the state went into some stage of drought after a record dry period last summer.

"There's plenty of places that are in dire need of precipitation. So, it's been going well for them as far as the rain is concerned. I know there are flooding issues, but the rain is needed, especially in southwestern Montana. Currently in Missoula we've had about 5. 69 inches of precipitation and that's actually about an inch and a half below normal for this time of year."

Many are hoping that heavy rains will help stave off what has been predicted to be another severe fire season.