Wind Storm Updates

1/5/22 11:05 am: The Mat-Su Borough’s page for the winter storm now incorporates additional information, including the MEA outage map, school closure information, and borough facility status.

The State of Alaska’s website for those who suffered property damage from the storm to apply for relief funds is also now live.

1/4/22 6:10 pm: Jennifer Castro with MEA just told the Mat-Su Borough Assembly that a crew is headed back to Talkeetna to resolve the remaining outages in the Northern Valley.

1/4/22 12:12 pm: Latest from MSBSD – “MSBSD Schools will remain closed Wed Jan 5 due to prolonged power outages and frigid temperatures experienced within the Borough. MSBSD’s Facilities Department is working hard to repair various building systems at a number of schools. The District also continues to monitor road conditions, with power outages impacting traffic signals at major intersections and sustained winds preventing icy roadways and school parking lots from being sanded. We are working hard to address these critical issues and hope you and your family remain safe. The District will provide another update on this extended school closure by noon tomorrow.”

1/4/22 12:02 pm: The Mat-Su Borough has set up a website and phone line with information about impacts from the wind storm. 907-861-7900 or https://ready.matsugov.us/pages/severe-weather

1/4/22 8:25 am: As of this morning, MEA’s outage map shows most of the Northern Valley has power, with just over 100 members experiencing outages from Willow to Trapper Creek. Most of those are in Talkeetna.

1/3/22 8:50 pm: Latest update from MEA says “extensive” repairs continue in Trapper Creek and Montana Creek. Talkeetna currently shows 57 members without power. https://www.facebook.com/114240531962479/posts/4694179813968505/

1/3/22 1:45 pm: From the Alaska State Troopers – “Hazardous weather conditions including strong wind and blowing snow are continuing to make driving difficult across the Mat-Su Valley, especially for high-profile vehicles and trailers. Please use extreme caution if you head out onto the road today, and only travel if absolutely necessary. The Mat-Su Borough is encouraging all residents to shelter in place if you can safely do so. The Mat-Su Borough and American Red Cross have opened warming centers at The Curtis D. Menard Sports Center at 1001 S Clapp St, Wasilla, AK 99654 and Mat-Su Senior Services Center in Palmer, 1132 S Chugach St, Palmer, AK 99645 for those that need a warm place to shelter.”

1/3/22 1:09 pm: Governor Dunleavy has declared a state disaster emergency for multiple areas due to winter storms, including the Mat-Su and Denali Boroughs.

1/3/22 1:00 pm: Updates from the Mat-Su Borough press conference:

-The Mat-Su Borough has declared a disaster emergency due to the wind storm and forwarded it to Governor Dunleavy’s office.

-Mat-Su schools will remain closed Tuesday. If the closure is to extend longer, the district will announce it by Tuesday at noon.

-The wind warning from the National Weather Service has been extended through Wednesday evening.

-MEA plans to have everyone’s power back up by the end of the week. A crew is currently working on the Petersville and Talkeetna outages.

1/3/22 11:30 am: From Talkeetna Fire Department “We hope everyone is staying safe out there. The wind is continuing in Wasilla, and we don’t recommend traveling through that area. As of this morning, MEA reports 156 customers in Talkeetna without power. If you live in the Talkeetna area and need non-emergency help, Talkeetna Fire may be able to help with things like cutting a tree out of a driveway. We cannot clear trees off power lines but if you can’t leave your driveway because of a downed tree let us know and we will lend a hand. Text Chief Chappel at 907-841-3342 with your name, street address, and what you need. We will help as available between calls.”

1/3/22 11:20 am: According to Governor Dunleavy’s Facebook page, the Mat-Su Borough has declared a disaster emergency as a result of the current wind storm. We will be broadcasting the borough’s press conference live at 11:30.

1/3/22 10:48 am: In the latest update, MEA confirms that they have a crew working on the Petersville outage, which is affecting about 400 members.
1/3/22 10:30 am: KTNA is currently back on air. Fingers crossed that it stays that way.

1/3/22 10:20 am: As of now, we are planning on putting the 11:30 am press conference on our stream. You should also be able to live stream it through the Mat-Su Borough’s Facebook page.

1/3/22 10:03 am: We have received word that the Mat-Su Borough will be holding a press conference at 11:30 with representatives from the borough, MEA, and the National Weather Service.

Original Post:

Through the weekend and into Monday, the entire Mat-Su has been hit by high winds, causing dangerous travel conditions, damage to structures, and widespread power outages. We’ll keep this page as up-to-date as possible with the latest official information.

KTNA is currently off the air due to issues caused by the storm, but our stream is up, and we will continue to update online.