What you need to know:
- Hurricane-force winds reaching up to 85 mph struck the Mat-Su on Saturday, toppling trees, damaging buildings, and knocking down signs and structures across the area. A high wind warning was extended into Monday afternoon.
- About 20,000 households were without power late Saturday afternoon, from Glacier View to Knik Goose Bay Road. Some railroad crossings were disabled due to wind damage.
- High winds forced the closure of businesses, including Walmart and Settlers Bay Lodge, and led to the cancellation or postponement of multiple community events across Palmer and Wasilla.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
PALMER — Hurricane-force winds walloped the Mat-Su on Saturday, leaving thousands without power, shuttering businesses, felling trees and scattering pieces of buildings, outdoor equipment, construction supplies and signs across parking lots and down neighborhoods
Winds at Palmer Airport gusted to 85 mph at about noon Saturday, while gusts at the Glenn Highway interchange near the Palmer Hay Flats hit 79 mph, and those at the Wasilla Airport reached 64 mph, according to weather data.
A high wind warning for the region, first issued Friday afternoon, was extended through 1 p.m. Monday, with gusts up to 90 mph expected, according to the National Weather Service…