Mat-Su extends disaster declaration after back-to-back windstorms, ongoing gusts

What you need to know:

• The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly approved a seven-day extension of a windstorm disaster declaration to include damages through Dec. 16 and is requesting additional state financial assistance.
• Back-to-back windstorms, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph, caused extensive property damage and power outages across the region from Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-16, with high winds continuing into this week.
• Gov. Mike Dunleavy previously approved aid for damages from Dec. 6-8 and is expected to approve the extension.

• Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.

PALMER — Matanuska-Susitna Borough officials have extended a windstorm disaster declaration and will request additional state financial support after heavy winds continued to batter the region over the weekend.

The Mat-Su Assembly unanimously approved a seven-day extension to the disaster declaration during a regular meeting Tuesday.

“The intent of this extension is really to encourage and get support from the state to make sure that individual assistance and public assistance are made available to residents and public entities for the duration of both events,” Borough Manager Mike Brown told the assembly.

The updated disaster declaration covers Dec. 6-16 and asks Dunleavy to approve public and individual financial assistance for any wind-related damages during that period. The initial declaration approved last week covers only damages caused between Dec. 6-8.

Dunleavy is expected to approve the extension.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy last week approved state financial support for damage caused by the Dec. 6-9 windstorm, which left thousands of Mat-Su residents without power and damaged buildings and property across the region. The storm brought 74 hours of gusts greater than 50 mph, Brown said, including a 100-mph gust at the Palmer Airport — the third strongest on record.

A second high wind warning issued Sunday was initially expected to last through 3 a.m. Monday, but was ultimately extended into Monday night. A 90-mph gust was recorded at the Palmer Airport at 2:55 a.m. Monday, according to weather data.

Gusty and cold conditions are expected to continue in Mat-Su and across Southcentral Alaska through late this week, according to a special statement issued Tuesday evening by the National Weather Service in Anchorage. Wind gusts in Mat-Su are expected to reach as high as 50 mph, the agency said.

Relief applications for damages from Dec. 6-8 opened last week and will remain available through Feb. 9. Residents can apply online or by calling 844-445-7131.

-- Contact Amy Bushatz at contact@matsusentinel.com