Weekend windstorm wreaks havoc as downed trees, minor flooding impact travel, cause power outages

The winds have calmed after a second powerful windstorm came through southcentral Alaska over the weekend, the second in a week. Now begins drying out and cleaning up any debris left by Mother Nature before another low front comes in later this week that could bring a chance of snow. Temperatures are forecasted to drop back into the 20s this week.

The rain and melting snow, combined with frozen ground is caused ponding and localized flooding along roads and low lying areas. According to the Palmer Police Department social media page, the waters that had caused flooding through various roadways throughout the city has receded in the majority of intersections and should be passable. Several streets in the city experienced minor flooding, including intersections of Alaska Street and Arctic Avenue, and Colony Street and Fireweed Avenue. The PPD is advising caution to drivers, and to avoid routes near S. Valley Way between Fireweed and Elmwood.

There were also reports of a possible mudslide as the PPD reported earlier in the afternoon of a small mudslide on 2nd Street.

A flood advisory had been issued as small streams in the area may also experience minor flooding and ponding with ice still intact in many areas.

Meanwhile, over 7,000 customers woke up without power Sunday morning, according to Matanuska Electric Association (MEA), with most outages in Willow, where 2,200 members were without power; and a 2,400 member outage off Pittman. Later, another 2,000 members in the Butte/Old Glenn area, and a transmission level outage in Eagle River impacting 1,800 members. Some members remained without power for over 12 hours as crews and contractors continued working Sunday afternoon and into the evening.

Downed trees and blown transmissions left crews and contractors working throughout the day and into the evening, conducting line patrols, removing trees in the lines and making repairs.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our crews continue working around the clock to safely restore power as quickly as possible. Please stay safe and avoid downed power line,” MEA wrote on their Facebook page.

“Many of our crews have been working tirelessly over the past two days and are now on mandatory rest to ensure their safety. Contract crews are also stretched thin as they assist neighboring utilities impacted by this widespread storm.”

Any remaining outages involve significant damage, including broken poles and equipment, which require more time and larger crews to repair. These repairs are more complex than standard line work, adding to the time needed for restoration.

MEA says crews are prioritizing areas that have been without power the longest. However, given the challenges, MEA says some members should remain prepared that some repairs may extend into tomorrow. “We understand how frustrating and discouraging this situation is, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know our crews are working as safely and swiftly as possible to restore power to everyone.”

A winter weather advisory is in effect for heavy snow closer to Thompson Pass and along the Glenn Highway corridor west of Glennallen, with a forecast for total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches for the Glenn Highway corridor and 12 to 24 inches possible toward Thompson Pass.

Meanwhile, snow, blowing snow, freezing rain, and rain. Freezing rain on top of cold, snow-covered roads is forecasted for the southern to western portions of the Copper River Basin, including the Richardson Highway toward Thompson Pass and the Glenn Highway west of Glennallen to around Chickaloon. The advisory remains in effect until 9:00 am Monday. Plan on slippery road conditions.