Wind Whips Through Mat-Su: Residents Hold On

The Mat-Su Valley is in the grips of a fierce windstorm that has been howling since Friday night. With gusts reaching up to 75 mph, the storm has caused widespread power outages and damage. Schools were closed on Monday, and many residents sought shelter at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. The storm has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Trees have been uprooted, roofs torn off, and roads littered with debris. A local landmark, a 24-foot-tall metal carrot on Lazy Mountain, was not spared. The wind has been so strong that some residents reported sleepless nights, with the wind roaring like a freight train outside. Power outages have been a major issue, with over 10, 000 customers still without electricity by Monday afternoon. Crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, but dangerous wind gusts have made their job difficult. One resident, Carolina Grande, lost power and water at her home on Saturday morning. She and her husband have been staying warm with the help of a small fireplace, but temperatures have dropped into the 40s at night. The windstorm is a result of a weather phenomenon known as a Bora. This type of wind is caused by cold Arctic air being pushed down the Copper River Valley and into the Matanuska Valley. The storm is expected to move out of the region by Tuesday morning, but until then, residents are advised to stay safe and assess the damage.