NWS warns of strong winds, rainfall across the Matanuska Valley.

Update: In response to the high winds, the Alaska State Fair has announced that several shows and rides are shut down for the day, including the Aftershock roller coaster and Cliff Hanger carnival rides. The Cirque Ma'Ceo shows are cancelled for this afternoon, while the 5:00 p.m. show status will depend upon the weather.

Additionally, Sara Twister will not be performing at the Purple Plaza Today. Instead, her shows will be at the Colony Stage.

High winds are expected throughout the afternoon, especially in Palmer and the Butte, which will impact the Fair.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement warning of strong winds across the Matanuska Valley starting Thursday morning until the evening.

According to the NWS, a frontal system moving into Southcentral will usher strong and gusty winds into the Matanuska Valley starting late on Thursday morning, including in and around the Alaska State Fairgrounds. The strongest wind gusts will range from around 30 mph to near 50 mph, with the strongest gusts focused near Palmer and Butte during the afternoon hours on Thursday. Winds will begin to diminish by late Thursday evening into early Friday morning as the front pushes to the east.

People should expect the strong southeast winds to possibly bring down tree branches and cause scattered power outages. Driving may also be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items to prevent them from blowing away. Most trees are still fully leafed and will be unusually vulnerable to damage from the strong winds.

Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) posted a warning to customers on their social media, stating localized power outages will be possible due the potential for strong winds to bring down tree branches onto power lines.

“MEA crews are ready to respond if outages occur. Please report any outages through your SmartHub account or by calling (907) 746-7697 (POWR).”

Meanwhile, incoming storms will bring a long duration rainfall event to most of Southcentral Alaska through Friday. The Mat-Su Valley is forecasted to receive 1.5 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts. The highest rainfall totals are likely to be across the northern Susitna Valley.

Residents should look for sharp rises on many small streams and rivers. Many smaller streams will crest Thursday night into Friday while larger rivers or downstream points may crest Friday and Saturday. Higher than normal water levels could continue through Labor Day Weekend into next week.

Popular camping and recreation spots along rivers such as gravel bars and other areas are likely to become inundated with water. Heavy rain may result in localized ponding in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage.

For more information, please visit www.forecast.weather.gov