Thousands of homes in Alaska are without power amid below-freezing weather after a persistent windstorm with gusts up to 90 mph blew through the area over the weekend, taking down power lines, damaging buildings and flipping semitrucks and small aircraft
MEA Facebook postThe outages are especially dangerous as temperatures stay well below freezing in the area and a high wind warning is still in effect.
Temperatures in Palmer and Wasilla on Tuesday morning were hovering around zero to 5 degrees with a wind chill factor that makes it feel like -15 degrees. The continuing wind is making it difficult for the electric company to restore power to customers. Support crews from electric companies in Anchorage and Fairbanks have come in to assist with restoration efforts, according to the MEA."We’re unable to give any estimated times of restoration because the variables just keep changing as the wind keeps howling," the MEA said. But, the company added, "We will continue to work until we have everyone back on.
While some structures suffered significant damage -- including a combination KFC and A&W restaurant that had an entire wall ripped off and a grocery store where a burst pipe covered the building in ice -- most damage will not be like the collapses of structures that happen during storms like theThere is damage to water pipes, roofing, siding, fences, vehicles, trailers and sheds.
"Alaskans, now is the time to check in with your neighbors and try to stay off the roads if possible," Dunleavy said in a press release. "I am always impressed with the ability Alaskans have to step up and help one another."
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