Mat-Su extends disaster declaration after back-to-back windstorms, ongoing gusts
The extension asks Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy to approve financial aid for additional wind damage.
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.
- A disaster declaration previously approved by Gov. Mike Dunleavy also covers the newly extended disaster period.
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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. Gov. Mike Dunleavy extended a state disaster declaration that provides public and individual financial assistance for any wind-related damages during that period.
Dunleavy initially approve the state financial support last week to cover 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 soft-launched Dec. 12, with a full opening announced Dec. 22. They will remain available through Feb. 20, officials said. Residents can apply online or by calling 844-445-7131.
-- Contact Amy Bushatz at contact@matsusentinel.com
This story was updated Dec. 19 to include that Gov. Mike Dunleavy extended the initial windstorm disaster declaration to cover the additional period. This story was updated Dec. 22 to reflect a full opening of relief applications.