It’s been a whirlwind of downed power lines, sideways semis and toppled nativity scenes over here in the Northern Rockies, less than a week after Mother Nature already unleashed a torrential downpour that left a patchwork of flooding and a slew of emergency declarations across the state.

Driven by an unusually potent atmospheric river, the December rains and accompanying winds have caused widespread destruction that has washed away bridges and infrastructure, prompting a boil water order to the 2,700 residents in Libby.

While atmospheric rivers have dominated the weather over the last week and a half, you may be wondering, what is this river in the sky everybody is talking about?

Atmospheric rivers are described by the National Weather Service as a flowing column of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere that is transported from the tropics before it makes landfall on the West Coast, releasing in the form of rain or snow and potentially causing “catastrophic damage.”

Speaking of catastrophes, the atmospheric river joined by a cold front and windstorm certainly opened the flood gates in Lincoln County where upwards of 10 bridges were damaged and thousands remain without power.

The Lincoln County Health Department today announced Libby municipal water samples are currently undergoing heavy metal testing with results expected tonight or tomorrow morning.

Officials said testing was initiated in coordination with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality “out of an abundance of caution to confirm that Libby continues to deliver safe and dependable water to its residents.”

Meanwhile, Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) crews have restored power to almost half of the more than 31,000 members who yesterday lost power across northwest Montana.

FEC crews are facing challenges that include saturated and muddy ground along with massive, uprooted trees, presenting increased difficulties for heavy trucks and equipment to safely reach downed power lines.

Another pulse of the atmospheric river pushes through the Northern Rockies today, which will ideally fall in the form of snow along with strong winds returning to the region and more than a foot of snow in the high country tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

I’m Maggie Dresser, here to open the flood gates to Thursday’s Daily Roundup.

This holiday season, celebrate the spirit of our community by shopping local. Every purchase you make from a neighborhood business helps support local jobs, families, and the unique character that makes the Flathead Valley such a special place to call home. From thoughtful gifts to festive experiences, our local shops have everything you need to make the season bright. Here’s some information on how to keep it local this holiday season.