A strong wind storm wreaked havoc on Anchorage, Alaska, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, resulting in widespread damage and power outages. The storm brought down trees, tore off parts of roofs, and left thousands without electricity. Residents faced power outages, cleanup efforts, and concerns about safety.
A powerful wind storm ripped through Anchorage , Alaska on Sunday, January 12, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and thousands without power. Wind gusts exceeding 65 mph were recorded in several parts of the city, with some areas experiencing winds over 100 mph. The storm downed trees, tore off portions of roofs, and caused widespread power outages affecting thousands of residents.
Terry Buzzell, an Anchorage resident, spent Monday morning clearing birch tree logs from his front yard after the storm toppled a large tree. He was among many residents cleaning up the aftermath of the storm and enduring extended power outages. Buzzell mentioned using his fireplace to stay warm, noting that his house temperature remained a comfortable 67 degrees Fahrenheit despite the frigid 45-degree weather outside. He described the experience as intense, highlighting the constant need to protect his property and his neighbors' from the storm's fury.National Weather Service meteorologist Tracen Knopp confirmed that the worst of the windstorm had passed by Monday morning, although showers persisted. According to Knopp, the storm had moved through the region, leaving behind diminishing winds and lighter precipitation. The storm's peak wind gust was recorded at 132 mph in Turnagain Pass, while Alyeska Resort logged a 117 mph gust, prompting the resort to close operations on Sunday. Jason Flores, a construction worker in Anchorage's Bear Valley neighborhood, feared his site would be demolished after experiencing such strong winds. He expressed astonishment at the force of the wind, stating that the walls of the house under construction were barely secured and they had not anticipated such a severe storm.Chugach Electric spokeswoman Julie Hasquet reported that thousands of Anchorage residents remained without power on Monday morning, with new outages still being reported. She emphasized that the storm's damage was extensive and that crews would continue working tirelessly until power was restored to everyone affected. Hasquet noted that while downed power lines contributed to outages, the primary cause was a variety of objects, including trees, becoming entangled in power lines. She advised those experiencing prolonged power outages to consider staying with friends or family until service was restored. The storm also caused structural damage, including the collapse of a pedestrian bridge over the Seward Highway. The Rabbit Creek pedestrian bridge, built in 1972 and overhauled in 2020, was swept off its supporting span by the high winds. State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities spokeswoman Shannon McCarthy stated that the cause of the collapse was still under investigation. She mentioned that engineers would thoroughly examine all pedestrian bridges in Anchorage to assess their vulnerability to wind shear and identify potential improvements. City officials reported two storm-related injuries: a firefighter injured while assisting a family secure their property and a person struck by a parked ambulance that was blown against a police vehicle. Deputy Municipal Manager Mark Spafford assured that no major damage was reported to city buildings during the storm. All municipal offices were operating normally on Monday.
WIND STORM ANCHORAGE ALASKA POWER OUTAGES DAMAGE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE COLLAPSE
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