Wind Whips Through Mat-Su: Residents Hold On

The Mat-Su Valley is in the grips of a fierce windstorm that has been howling since Friday night. With gusts reaching up to 75 mph, the storm has caused widespread power outages and damage.

Impact and Damage

• Schools closed on Monday.
• Many residents sought shelter at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla.
• Trees uprooted, roofs torn off, and roads littered with debris.
• A 24-foot-tall metal carrot on Lazy Mountain, a local landmark, was damaged.
• Residents reported sleepless nights due to the wind roaring like a freight train.

Power Outages and Challenges

• Over 10,000 customers still without electricity by Monday afternoon.
• Crews are working tirelessly to restore power, but dangerous wind gusts have made their job difficult.
• One resident, Carolina Grande, lost power and water at her home on Saturday morning. She and her husband have been staying warm with the help of a small fireplace, but temperatures have dropped into the 40s at night.

Weather Phenomenon

The windstorm is a result of a weather phenomenon known as a Bora. This type of wind is caused by cold Arctic air being pushed down the Copper River Valley and into the Matanuska Valley.

Forecast and Safety

The storm is expected to move out of the region by Tuesday morning, but until then, residents are advised to stay safe and assess the damage.