Mat-Su wind disaster relief applications open as new high wind warning issued

What you need to know:

• The National Weather Service in Anchorage on Saturday issued a new high wind warning for the area starting at noon Sunday morning through noon Monday with gusts of 60 to 80 mph and windchills of as low as -25 degrees.
• Mat-Su residents affected by this week’s windstorm can apply for state disaster aid through Feb. 9. Assistance may cover uninsured damages or insurance deductibles. Applications are available online or by phone.
• Applicants are asked to provide documents such as proof of property ownership, insurance details, proof of residency, and photos of damage, if available. However, a lack of documentation does not prevent submission.

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

Updated Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m.:

The National Weather Service in Anchorage on Saturday issued a new high wind warning for the area starting at noon Sunday morning through noon Monday with gusts of 60 to 80 mph and windchills of as low as -25 degrees.

The strongest winds were expected to hit Sunday at about 3 p.m. and last through 3 a.m. Monday.

The warning updated high wind watch first issued Friday afternoon. That was set to start Sunday at 3 a.m. and end Monday morning.

Original story:

PALMER – Mat-Su residents affected by the windstorm that struck the region earlier this week can now apply for state disaster financial assistance, even as high winds are expected to return to parts of the area this weekend.

Individual Assistance applications are open through Feb. 9 on the state’s disaster recovery portal, according to the website.

Residents can apply online or by calling (844) 445-7131.

The National Weather Service on Friday issued a new high wind watch for the area starting at 3 a.m. Sunday through Monday morning, with gusts of 60 to 80 mph and wind chills as low as minus 20 degrees.

Winds are expected to start Saturday morning before building over Saturday night, Anchorage-based meteorologist Christopher Quesada said in an interview Friday.

Mat-Su’s current bora wind pattern is caused by an upper-level atmospheric system pushing cold air out of the Copper River Basin and into the Mat-Su, meteorologist Christopher Quesada said in an interview. The full force of this weekend’s winds is difficult to predict, as small changes in the system’s direction can dramatically affect wind intensity, he said.

The current disaster declaration and associated relief apply only to damage from last weekend’s storm, according to the state’s fact sheet. It does not cover damage that may occur during this weekend’s expected winds.

Individuals may be eligible for up to $21,800 in aid for both housing assistance and nonhousing help known as “other needs assistance,” said Jeremy Zidek, a state emergency management spokesman.

Assistance may cover a range of repair, housing, and cleanup needs not covered by insurance, according to program information. Even if insurance applies, Individual Assistance may reimburse the cost of the deductible. The program may also assist individuals who do not have insurance.

State officials encouraged residents to apply even if they are unsure whether their damage qualifies.

“Really, the best thing for people to do is, if they have damages, to apply and go through the process,” Zidek said. “We don't want anyone to kind of say to themselves, ‘I'm not sure if this is covered, and I'm not going to apply.’ The programs are there to help people with damages, but we just have to get people into the application process, try to get the documentation that we need, and then we can determine if they're eligible.”

Mat-Su residents applying for state aid will need property ownership documents, insurance policy details, proof of residency such as a utility bill, and photos of damage, if available, according to the state’s website. Individuals who cannot access some or all of those items can still complete an application.

Kaitlyn McGilvray, a State Farm insurance agent based in Wasilla, said she’s advising clients to review both the state program and their insurance policies.

While damage from the Jan. 6-8 windstorm should be covered, whether someone should file a claim depends on their deductible, she said. If repair costs fall below the deductible, the claim will be dismissed, she said.

The current disaster declaration and associated relief apply only to damage from last weekend’s storm, according to the state’s fact sheet. It does not cover damage that may occur during this weekend’s expected winds.

In Palmer, forecasters expect winds to increase throughout the day Saturday and into Sunday, with gusts of 60 mph or stronger Sunday night into Monday, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service in Anchorage. Air temperatures will likely be in the single digits. Winds will also affect Wasilla, though they may be slightly weaker, forecasters said.

Mat-Su’s current bora wind pattern is caused by an upper-level atmospheric system pushing cold air out of the Copper River Basin and into the Mat-Su, meteorologist Christopher Quesada said in an interview. The full force of this weekend’s winds is difficult to predict, as small changes in the system’s direction can dramatically affect wind intensity, he said.

- Contact Amy Bushatz at contact@matsusentinel.com

-- This story was updated Dec. 12 to include the new high wind watch.