BLOWN OVER— Wind gusts on Friday were strong enough to topple a 9-foot plywood moose decoration in downtown Talkeetna. Signs of businesses, the wooden VFW post sign and political campaign signs were also damaged during the storm.  Photo by Diana Haecker

Last weekend’s wind storm wreaked havoc in the valley and residents are starting the clean up while state and borough officials as well as phone and utility companies are assessing the damages.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The wind event over the weekend took Mat Su Borough Emergency Services and Matanuska Electric Association by surprise.

Dennis Brodigan, Director of Emergency Services, says that he knew the winds were forecast but the storm of March 2003 was much worse as far as wind speeds.  (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather forecast, Denali echos, announcements for September 27th.  Host is Sue Deyoe.  Headlines – Power outage continues for some; Earthquake hits central AK; AT&T cell tower to go in on Spur Road; One Tree project continues; Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali Park to go hydro. 16 min.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

An MEA spokesman reports that there are still thousands of people without power.  He says that crews are trying their best to restore power to Big Lake, Palmer and the upper valley.  “Do not ASSUME that we know about your outage,” he says. Please call MEA if you have an outage at 746-7697, the line may be busy, but be patient.  If you call from your area without power, MEA automatically reads that phone line.   KTNA will try and update listeners later this afternoon.

Although MEA was able to restore power to some areas in the early morning hours, there are still residents without power.  KTNA is unable to connect with MEA about the latest update to the many outages across the upper valley.  Crews worked throughout yesterday and into the night to restore power to thousands of residents and businesses.  There are still power outages in Big Lake, Wasilla. Palmer and Talkeetna. If you are still without power, you can call the MEA hotline to make sure they are aware of the outage in your area – 761-9300

The Matanuska-Susitna valley is experiencing a widespread power outage, from Palmer to Wasilla all the way to Talkeetna and Trapper Creek.

At noon, MEA officals say that 2500 homes are without power.

The problem is wind-related and downed trees wreaking havoc with powerlines. In Palmer and Wasilla winds gusting 50 to 60 mph are ripping down powerlines and trees.

At this point, MEA officials say they’re working on many different areas and say as soon as one problem is fixed, another downed tree causes power outages in a different area.

Stay tuned as we give updates on the situation.

KTNA’s morning news, weather, announcements and Denali Echoes, hosted by Trisha Costello. Local news headlines: Downed tree causes power outage in Talkeetna; Mat-Su borough manager search continues; NPS hands down decision in bear shooting. (16  min.)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

A number of businesses and residents in Talkeetna were without power on Tuesday afternoon and evening.  MEA spokesperson, Cheryll Heinze, says the culprit was a downed tree that fell on a power line on Veterans’ Way.  (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather, Denali Echoes and announcements, hosted by Diana Haecker. Local news headlines: Flood advisory issued for western Susitna valley; Borough mulls ordinance regarding dog kennels and catteries; DOT starts public comment on Parks Highway improvements between Wasilla and Big Lake; Power outage affected residents of Houston, Willow, Talkeetna and Trapper Creek. (16 min.)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.