State of Emergency Declared in Billings After Tornado

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jun 20, 2010 at 6:50 PM MST

Story Updated: Jun 21, 2010 at 5:35 PM MST

BILLINGS, Mont. - Gov. Brian Schweitzer says parts of Billings hit by a tornado remain dangerous because debris could again become airborne if another storm passes through the city.

After touring the wreckage of the state's largest indoor arena - its roof and some siding ripped off by Sunday's twister - Schweitzer on Monday warned the curious to keep their distance until the debris was cleared.

He was accompanied by local officials and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg.

Rehberg pledged to help steer federal dollars to the city and Yellowstone County to help them recover. He said the destruction reminded him of a visit to the Iraq war zone soon after the 2003 fall of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Schweitzer signed a state of emergency declaration allowing Montana Army National Guard soldiers to secure the area.

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