A severe storm struck southcentral Alaska on January 12, 2025, with peak wind gusts of 208 km/h (129 mph) recorded at the Sunburst Ridgetop weather station on Turnagain Pass Ridgeline. The powerful low-pressure system brought strong winds, rain, and melting snow, leaving damage in its wake.
Power outages began on the morning of January 13 and persisted through January 14 with Chugach Electric Association reporting a peak of 17 500 customers without power.
Julie Hasquet, spokesperson for Chugach Electric, explained that the combination of high winds and saturated ground caused “significant damage” to power infrastructure, including broken poles, cross arms, and wires.
All schools in the Anchorage School District were closed on January 13 because of power outages, icy parking lots, and maintenance issues. Schools were set to reopen on January 14.
In the Mat-Su Borough, Susitna Valley schools remained closed for a second day because of icy road conditions.
Crews faced challenges because of multiple trees on power lines and debris like trampolines blown from yards. Residents without power were advised to prepare for outages lasting into January 15 or seek alternative accommodations.
The NWS confirmed that other areas also recorded extreme gusts such as 172 km/h (107 mph) in Arctic Valley, 177 km/h (110 mph) in Bear Valley, 169 km/h (105 mph) in Upper Potter Valley, and 106 km/h (66 mph) at Merrill Field, where at least 3 planes were flipped.
The Anchorage Fire Department responded to over 200 calls related to wind damage and fielded nearly 500 incidents on January 13 which was double their usual volume. The department also dealt with 2 structure fires unrelated to the wind though the weather contributed to challenges in responding.
