UPDATE: 5:52 p.m. - Power has been restored to much of Helena after a transistor pole exploded downtown and affected the grid in widespread, but random, parts of town.
5:10 p.m. - A widespread power outage has hit Helena. According to reports, many traffic lights are off along Montana Avenue and in the downtown area. A transistor blew up on the pole near Lawrence and Jackson streets just before 4 p.m., and it affected the substation near Bill Roberts Golf Course. Power remains off for much of town, including at the Independent Record's downtown office, as of 5:10 p.m. Check back later for more details.
4:05 p.m. - A power outage has hit Helena. According to reports, many traffic lights are off along Montana Avenue and power is out in portions of the downtown area.