Billings, Montana, residents are assessing damage after a powerful storm swept through the city Thursday, bringing winds exceeding 70 miles per hour. The high winds toppled trees, damaged vehicles, and brought down power lines, leaving many without electricity. The severe weather event impacted neighborhoods across Billings, from the Heights to areas near Billings Senior High School.
Among those affected was Paige Gershmel, a sophomore and recent state champion wrestler at Billings Senior High School. A tree fell onto her car near the school, also bringing down a streetlamp. “I was in shock,” Gershmel said Thursday, recounting the incident. She learned of the extent of the damage through a text message and a video sent by a friend.
“He sent me a video, and it was the wind that had blown the tree on it. And then I saw the pole had also gotten bent on it,” Gershmel explained. Initially, she struggled to believe the wind could cause such destruction. “There’s — like literally I texted the kid. I was like, ‘There’s no way the wind did that. I don’t believe that. There’s no way it would break a metal pole.’ I was like, ‘You’re kidding,’” she said. It wasn’t until she closely examined the footage that the reality of the situation became clear. “I was confused on how the wind bent the pole until I saw that the pole was behind the tree, and it came down with the tree,” Gershmel said.
The damage extended beyond Gershmel’s vehicle. Newly installed bronze statues of a buffalo herd at Doc Holiday’s Roadhouse, located at 760 20th St. W., were also toppled by the wind and had to be cleared away with a front-end loader.
Residents in the Heights area also experienced significant impact. Jamie Rindahl, a 15-year resident of Billings, described the storm as shocking. “It was a shock, but this wind is pretty intense,” Rindahl said. She noted that she had never witnessed such strong winds in her time living in the city. “This wind is very insane. I’ve not really seen anything like this,” Rindahl stated.
Rindahl lost a tree on her property during the storm, a loss she described as deeply upsetting. “It was very sad to witness that one come down,” she said. She is now focused on cleanup efforts, planning to cut the tree for firewood and repair her fence.
Impact Across Billings
The widespread damage from the high winds prompted a response from local authorities and utility crews. While a comprehensive assessment of the damage is still underway, initial reports indicate significant disruption to power services and transportation routes. The Billings Fire Department responded to multiple calls regarding downed power lines and fallen trees, prioritizing safety and working to restore access to affected areas.
Paige Gershmel’s Wrestling Accomplishments
Paige Gershmel, the Billings Senior High School student impacted by the falling tree, is a decorated athlete. According to her recruiting profile on NCSA Sports, Gershmel is a 19-year-old wrestler who competes at 138 and 145 pounds. She graduated in 2024 and was a state champion in wrestling, placing three times at the state championships. She was also ranked 12th in the nation for wrestling and maintained a high school record of 38-2. She is now wrestling for Simpson College in Iowa, where she has already achieved significant success, including being named the A-R-C Wrestler of the Week on February 3, 2025, and earning NWCA Scholar All-America recognition. Simpson College Athletics details her accomplishments.
Looking Ahead
As Billings residents begin the process of recovery, attention will turn to assessing the full extent of the damage and restoring essential services. Utility companies are working to repair downed power lines, and city crews are clearing debris from roadways. The coming days will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the storm and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
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