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Strong winds are sweeping through southcentral Alaska

Strong winds are sweeping through southcentral Alaska

From Tess Williams

Updated: October 22, 2024 Published: October 22, 2024

The strong winds that swept across Anchorage from the western Kenai Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday are expected to ease Tuesday evening.

Gusts of up to 60 mph were reported in Anchorage Monday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Markle said.

According to the weather service, sustained south or southwest winds are expected for much of Tuesday, with speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts between 45 to 55 mph, easing in the evening.

The strongest winds were expected in Homer and along the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula to West Anchorage, the weather service said.

The winds moved into the area Monday afternoon as a cold front moved across the state, Markle said. Winds continued around Anchorage into early Tuesday and then calmed slightly into the morning, he said. Another round of strong gusts is expected to begin late morning or early afternoon, he said.

A gust of 58 mph was recorded at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, a gust of 55 mph was reported in Palmer and a gust of 48 mph was reported in Kenai, Markle said. Gusts in the 40 mph range were reported in East Anchorage, Markle said.

Icy roads are occurring in some areas of Southcentral Alaska where winds were not as strong but conditions remained cold overnight. Markle said reports of black ice or icing on roads were scattered throughout the region, including in some areas of the Matanuska and Susitna valleys, Portage and Girdwood and parts of the Copper River Basin.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District transitioned to remote learning at Glacier View School in Sutton on Tuesday.

The colder weather was expected to continue throughout the week, and Markle said motorists should be aware of the possibility of black ice on the roads during the Wednesday morning commute.

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