80 mph gusts bring high wind warnings

PALMER— High wind warnings remain in effect until Thursday for the Susitna Valley and Friday for the Matanuska Valley. Gusts up to 80 mph are expected to continue tonight, according to a morning report from the National Weather Service.

The Central Landfill is closed today, Wed., due to the high winds.

A wind chill advisory is in effect until Thursday for the region. Please bundle up and stay indoors as much as possible.

Minor damage has been reported so far. Sheds have been toppled, metal swing sets, bent. In one case an outside tent shelter, anchored by cement and ropes, was blown into the trees, bikes included. The Trunk Road Exit sign was busted in half, eastbound on the Parks Highway. A large wooden dugout is upside down on the baseball field next to the Dorothy Swanda Jones (Borough) building in Palmer.

An air quality alert has been issued by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for the eastern Matanuska Valley, today through 8 a.m. Friday, or until the wind subsides. Due to high winds the air quality in the eastern Matanuska Valley has become moderate to unhealthy. Children, the elderly, and persons with existing heart or respiratory ailments should avoid prolonged physical exertion and outdoor activity. The general population should avoid vigorous outdoor activity.

Please call the 24-hour Air Quality Alert System phone number, 352-3878, for daily information on air quality in the eastern Matanuska Valley.

For more information call Public Affairs Manager Patty Sullivan at (907) 745-9577.