Windstorm Cuts Power to 30,000 in Southcentral Alaska

A windstorm swept through Southcentral Alaska today, leaving more than 30,000 customers without electricity. The high winds knocked down power lines and tripped transmission equipment, causing widespread outages from Anchorage to the Mat-Su Valley.

The disruption began around 8 a.m. when the Southern Tie transmission line tripped between Anchorage and Hope. Chugach Electric reported that 12,500 of its customers lost service. By 8:30 a.m., the utility said power had been restored to members from Indian to Hope.

Chugach Electric crews are working on the largest outages first, prioritizing hazards like fires or lines across roads. The utility advised residents to avoid downed trees or lines and not to attempt cutting them down. “We work until everyone has their power restored,” the company posted on social media.

In the Mat-Su Valley, the Matanuska Electric Association reported that over 19,800 customers were without power as of 9:40 a.m. Approximately 9,000 members in Eagle River remained in the dark. More than 4,000 customers in the Meadow Lakes and Houston areas were also affected, along with over 2,000 in the Birchwood and Chugiak areas. MEA stated that crews were prioritizing larger feeder outages to restore power to the greatest number of members.

A High Wind Warning remains in effect for Anchorage and the Eagle River Hillside, with gusts expected to reach 70 to 80 mph. The warning is valid until 11 a.m.

Local institutions have adjusted operations in response to the weather and outages. The Anchorage School District dismissed all staff except Building Plant Operators for the day, following an earlier closure for students. At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Hangar 5 is closed until further notice, and the Illiac Child Development Center is shut. Base officials announced there is no estimated time for power restoration on the installation.