Blizzard updates for the Mat-Su Valley,as power is restored to most residents

Matcom reports that the 9-1-1 system has been repaired and calls are being answered.

Non-emergency and business lines are still being affected and repairs are still being made for that. For non-emergency calls, please call (907) 459-6800.

MSBSD also reports schools are closed today, Tuesday November 21.

Winter has not yet officially started, but it has already hit the Matanuska Valley with a few wallops, with not one, but two snow storms, sub-zero temperatures, and now, Valley residents need to brace for possible blizzard conditions.

Meanwhile, the winds have calmed as cleanup begins with some terrible snowdrifts on some roadways within the cities that officials are working to clear. The weather has also made for some icy conditions on the streets.

Outages-The Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) posted to its social media page that as of 4:00 am Tuesday morning, there are 204 members still without power spread across 74 separate outages, and that many are single-person outages.

"We have about 17 crews in the field working to get the rest of these members back up and going."

MEA also reminds people to report their outages via SmartHub or by calling (907) 746-7697.

"We'd like to thank everyone for their patience during this windy, windy blizzard andhope everyone stays safe outside...Thank you to our linemen, both in-house and contract crews, that braved this terrible weather to restore the power."

Closures-Houston Middle School was closed and students were on remote learning day due to a severe water damage at Houston Middle School where two water pipes have burst.

MSBSD reports that for Regions 1-3, activities are cancelled today due to increasing winds.

Regions 4-7: Cancellations will be a site based decision. Please stay tuned from your student(s) school(s) for more information.

School remains open and buses will operate as normal this afternoon. Please be aware that due to the increasing wind there may be delays . If families would like to pick up their students early, they are always welcome to do so.

For more information and to find your student(s) schools' region, visit www.matsuk12.us/delaysandclosures

The City of Palmer Monday afternoon said that the Mat-Su Borough landfills withint Palmer city limits are closed due to the high winds, and that routes not picked up today will instead be picked up on Wednesday.

The Wasilla library is closed.

Advisories-The Hatchers Pass Avalanche Center reports that avalanche hazard will rise today with the significant weather change and the potential for natural full depth avalanches.

"Our fragile snowpack will fail under any significant new load. Natural avalanches are expected if winds sustain and/or increase. It’s a dangerous start to the season. Between existing dangerous conditions and now a rapid load from winds, we expect more natural avalanches."

With the blizzard warning and severe winter weather conditions, the NWS warns that if people must travel to have a winter survival kit ready, with items such as blankets, warm clothing, boots, and a first aid kit.

The American Red Cross also recommends organizing supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit, with at least three days of supplies ready to carry if the need arises to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.). Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.

Also, ensure there is enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household. And with possible power outages, set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.

Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies, and consider keeping a list of medications and dosages on a small card to carry and have ready in case of emergencies.

If travelers get stranded, they are asked to stay with their vehicle.

For the latest road conditions call 5-1-1 or visit www.511.alaska.gov.

This is a developing story.