High winds, warm temps cause power outages and icy roads

While Mother Nature has laid havoc to a good portion of the lower 48, dumping inches of snow across multiple states and snarling travel across the country. Meanwhile here in the Mat-Su Borough, high winds and warm temperatures on Monday and overnight into Tuesday morning led to power outages, school closures and dangerous icy roads.

Temperatures peaked in the upper 30s and 40s for much of the region, resulting in wet roads that iced overnight, making the morning commute

While winds have now died down, gusts remained throughout the night, with the Palmer Airport clocking in gusts at 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Anchorage areas saw gusts peak at 73 mph at Rabbit Creek, Arctic Valley with 80 mph, and Hatch Peak reached 93 mph.

The high winds lead to power outages throughout the Valley and into Eagle River and Chugiak. Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) reported outages from Houston and Meadow Lakes to Lazy Mountain and the Butte, affecting hundreds of customers. MEA reported via social media that crews worked throughout the night to remove multiple trees in the lines, isolate outages, and rehang wire to bring power back to everyone, thanking everyone for their patience.

Schools were cancelled for the entire Mat-Su Borough School District, along with most afterschool activities. As of 6:40 pm, schools are open for in-person learning for January 7.

In the Mat-Su Borough, the stormy weather has died down, and there is no precipitation forecasted until Thursday, which areas may see snow. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Susitna Valley, north and west of Talkeetna, with 4-8 inches wet snow in the forecast. Winter weather advisories remain in effect through the day, with snow likely through the Copper River Basin and north of Talkeetna

Any rain that continues to fall across the area will lead to additional concerns on the roadways as the main roadways are good, there may be some patches of ice or ponding. Drivers are advised that side roads, parking lots and sidewalks will remain a hazard and drivers are urged to exercise caution when out on the roads by slowing down and allowing more space between you and the vehicle ahead.