ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Strong winds sweeping through Southcentral Alaska late Thursday are expected to persist into the early hours of Friday, with damaging gusts and power outages possible from Anchorage to the Matanuska Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Anchorage, southeast winds between 35 and 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph remain possible across the Anchorage Hillside and Eagle River until 2 a.m. Friday. Across the Anchorage bowl, gusts may still reach 40 to 55 mph overnight. In the Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Butte, wind gusts could approach 60 mph.
The strongest winds have likely already passed, but forecasters warn that tree damage, falling branches, and power outages remain likely, as foliage is still thick and vulnerable. Travel may be hazardous, particularly for high-profile vehicles along exposed routes such as the Glenn Highway near Eagle River and Palmer.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for possible overnight outages. Winds are expected to steadily weaken through Friday morning.
