High winds knock out powerthroughout the Valley

High winds that began last night have knocked out power to some Valley neighborhoods. Power has been out for as long as four hours.

Due to the winds, the location for today’s noon to 1 p.m. meet and greet event and community picnic event with Governor Sean Parnell and U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller has changed from Newcomb Park to the Menard Sports Complex.

The Mat-Su Borough also has issued an air quality advisory for the Palmer area from 9 a.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Monday. Due to increasing winds the air quality in the Palmer area may become unhealthy to hazardous.

Children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or lung disease should stay indoors and reduce physical activity. The general population should avoid vigorous outdoor activity.

Please call the 24-hour Air Quality Alert System phone number, 352-3878, for daily information on air quality in the eastern Matanuska valley. This advisory will expire at 8 a.m. Monday, or when the wind subsides, whichever is earlier, or to be updated if conditions change.

For more information, call the Mat-Su Borough Planning Division at 745-9833.