Alert archive / Alaska / High Wind Warnings in 2025
High Wind Warning 20, NWS Anchorage, AK
NWS Anchorage, AK issued this high wind warning at Dec 26, 2025, 1:41 PM AKST for Chugach Census Area, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. It took effect at Dec 27, 2025, 3:00 PM AKST. It was in force for 54 hr. 36 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Dec 26, 2025, 1:41 PM AKST (22:41 UTC)
- In effect from
- Dec 27, 2025, 3:00 PM AKST
- Expired
- Dec 29, 2025, 9:00 PM AKST
- In force
- 54 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Anchorage, AK
Counties Chugach Census Area, AK, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK
The radar
The Kenai radar (PAHG), 209 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:44 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 27, 9:40 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | Thompson Pass, AK | Reported at Thompson Pass MP 2 mesonet. Sustained winds of 50 to 60 mph with gusts of 65 to 70 mph. |
| Dec 28, 4:40 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | Thompson Pass, AK | Reported at Thompson Pass MP 2 mesonet. Sustained winds of 45 to 55 mph with gusts of 60 to 70 mph. |
| Dec 28, 7:30 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 4 Wnw Palmer, AK | Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 60 mph. |
| Dec 28, 7:30 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 4 Wnw Palmer, AK | SUSTAINED WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 45 TO 60 MPH. |
| Dec 28, 7:40 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 76 | Palmer Municipal Airpor, AK | Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts of 55 to 75. |
| Dec 28, 7:40 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 76 | Palmer Municipal Airpor, AK | SUSTAINED WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 55 TO 75. |
| Dec 28, 8:57 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | Wolf Lake Airport, AK | Sustained winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 65 mph. |
| Dec 28, 8:57 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | Wolf Lake Airport, AK | SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 50 TO 65 MPH. |
| Dec 28, 9:56 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | Wasilla Airport, AK | Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 40 to 55 mph. |
| Dec 28, 9:56 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | Wasilla Airport, AK | SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO 55 MPH. |
| Dec 28, 10:15 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 5 Ese Wasilla, AK | Sustained winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph. |
| Dec 28, 10:15 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 5 Ese Wasilla, AK | SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH. |
| Dec 28, 10:50 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 6 Sw Palmer, AK | Glenn Highway at MP 34.5 mesonet station. Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts of 60 to 75 mph. |
| Dec 28, 10:50 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 6 Sw Palmer, AK | GLENN HIGHWAY AT MP 34.5 MESONET STATION. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 60 TO 75 MPH. |
| Dec 28, 12:16 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | Valdez Airport, AK | |
| Dec 28, 12:50 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 76 | Thompson Pass, AK | Max wind gust of 76 mph as of 2 PM at Thompson Pass MP 2. |
| Dec 28, 1:10 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 6 Sw Palmer, AK | Max gust of 80 mph as of 150 PM at the Glenn Highway at MP 34.5 mesonet. |
| Dec 28, 1:10 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 6 Sw Palmer, AK | MAX GUST OF 80 MPH AS OF 150 PM AT THE GLENN HIGHWAY AT MP 34.5 MESONET. |
| Dec 28, 1:46 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | Wasilla Airport, AK | Max wind gust of 62 mph as of 2 PM. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph. |
| Dec 28, 1:46 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | Wasilla Airport, AK | MAX WIND GUST OF 62 MPH AS OF 2 PM. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 35 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH. |
| Dec 28, 1:53 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | Palmer Municipal Airpor, AK | Max wind gust of 78 mph as of 2 PM. Blowing dust being observed with visibility down to 5-6 miles at times. |
| Dec 28, 1:53 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | Palmer Municipal Airpor, AK | MAX WIND GUST OF 78 MPH AS OF 2 PM. BLOWING DUST BEING OBSERVED WITH VISIBILITY DOWN TO 5-6 MILES AT TIMES. |
| Dec 28, 6:10 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 81 | 1 Ne Palmer, AK | |
| Dec 28, 6:10 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 81 | 1 Ne Palmer, AK | |
| Dec 28, 6:30 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 6 Sw Palmer, AK | Max wind gust of 80 mph as of 1030 AM on Dec 29 was measured at 630 PM on Dec 28th. |
| Dec 28, 6:30 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 6 Sw Palmer, AK | MAX WIND GUST OF 80 MPH AS OF 1030 AM ON DEC 29 WAS MEASURED AT 630 PM ON DEC 28TH. |
| Dec 28, 7:30 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 90 | Palmer Municipal Airpor, AK | Max wind gust of 90 mph as of 11 AM on Dec 29th measured at 730 PM on Dec 28th. Several wind gusts of 80 to 85 mph from Sun into Mon. |
| Dec 28, 7:30 PM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 90 | Palmer Municipal Airpor, AK | MAX WIND GUST OF 90 MPH AS OF 11 AM ON DEC 29TH MEASURED AT 730 PM ON DEC 28TH. SEVERAL WIND GUSTS OF 80 TO 85 MPH FROM SUN INTO MON. |
| Dec 29, 1:56 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | Wasilla Airport, AK | Max wind gust as of 1130 AM of 67 mph reported both at 156 AM on Dec 29th and at 645 PM on the 28th. |
| Dec 29, 1:56 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | Wasilla Airport, AK | MAX WIND GUST AS OF 1130 AM OF 67 MPH REPORTED BOTH AT 156 AM ON DEC 29TH AND AT 645 PM ON THE 28TH. |
| Dec 29, 8:00 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 5 Ese Wasilla, AK | Max wind gust as of 1145 AM of 68 mph measured both at 8 AM on Dec 29th and at 1015 AM on Dec 28th. |
| Dec 29, 8:00 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 5 Ese Wasilla, AK | MAX WIND GUST AS OF 1145 AM OF 68 MPH MEASURED BOTH AT 8 AM ON DEC 29TH AND AT 1015 AM ON DEC 28TH. |
| Dec 29, 8:38 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 77 | 4 Wnw Palmer, AK | Max wind gust of 77 mph as of 1130 AM Dec 29th. |
| Dec 29, 8:38 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 77 | 4 Wnw Palmer, AK | MAX WIND GUST OF 77 MPH AS OF 1130 AM DEC 29TH. |
| Dec 29, 10:53 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 52 | Talkeetna Airport, AK | |
| Dec 29, 10:53 AM AKST | NON-TSTM WND GST 52 | Talkeetna Airport, AK |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Anchorage Iap/Pt. Campbe, (PANC), launched 12:00Z, 10.7 hours before the alert went out and 121 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1656 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 68 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -53 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 59 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
375 WWAK71 PAFC 262241 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 141 PM AKST Fri Dec 26 2025 AKZ711-271500- /O.UPG.PAFC.HW.A.0011.251228T0000Z-251230T0000Z/ /O.NEW.PAFC.HW.W.0020.251228T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Big Lake, Palmer, and Wasilla 141 PM AKST Fri Dec 26 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SATURDAY TO 9 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...From 3 PM Saturday to 9 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The Matanuska Valley will experience another round of strong and damaging winds, with the strongest winds most likely Sunday through Sunday evening. Winds should begin to slowly weaken Monday afternoon and diminish through Monday night. One to three inches of dry, powdery snow is expected across the Matanuska Valley through tonight. Fresh snow with strong winds will easily blow snow around, leading to potentially lowered visibility at times and continued fire weather concerns. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ731-732-271500- /O.UPG.PAFC.HW.A.0011.251228T0600Z-251229T0600Z/ /O.NEW.PAFC.HW.W.0020.251228T0600Z-251229T2100Z/ Valdez-Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Thompson Pass and Valdez 141 PM AKST Fri Dec 26 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM SATURDAY TO NOON AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...North to East winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph in Valdez and up to 85 mph through Thompson Pass. * WHERE...Valdez and Thompson Pass * WHEN...From 9 PM Saturday to noon AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is growing confidence in another round of strong and damaging winds, with the strongest winds most likely Saturday night through Sunday. Two to four inches of dry, powdery snow is expected today through early tomorrow. As winds strengthen tomorrow, this will lead to blowing and drifting snow likely reducing visibilities along roadways. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ TK
8 follow-up statements
976 WWAK71 PAFC 271239 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 339 AM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 AKZ711-280215- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.251228T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Wasilla, Palmer, and Big Lake 339 AM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 9 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds will be overnight tonight through Sunday evening. most likely Sunday through Sunday evening. Winds will be slow to to weaken, likely not dropping below 60 mph until late Monday. As winds ramp up today, the light and powdery snow on the ground will easily blow around, leading to reduced visibility at times along area roads. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ731-732-280215- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.251228T0600Z-251229T2100Z/ Valdez-Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Thompson Pass and Valdez 339 AM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...North to East winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph in Valdez and up to 80 mph through Thompson Pass. * WHERE...Valdez and Thompson Pass. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds will be overnight tonight through the day Sunday. As winds ramp up today through tonight, the light and powdery snow on the ground will be easily blown around, leading to reduced visibilities at times along area roads. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Baines
578 WWAK71 PAFC 280044 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 344 PM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 AKZ711-281515- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Big Lake, Wasilla, and Palmer 344 PM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds will be overnight tonight through Sunday evening. Winds will be slow to to weaken, likely not dropping below 60 mph until late Monday. As winds ramp up today, the light and powdery snow on the ground will easily blow around, leading to reduced visibility at times along area roads. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ731-732-281515- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.251228T0600Z-251229T2100Z/ Valdez-Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Valdez and Thompson Pass 344 PM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...North winds 35 to 55 mph with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...Valdez and Thompson Pass. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds will be overnight tonight through the day Sunday. As winds ramp up today through tonight, the light and powdery snow on the ground will be easily blown around, leading to reduced visibilities at times along area roads. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ741-750-281515- /O.NEW.PAFC.CW.Y.0010.251228T0600Z-251230T0000Z/ Northern Copper Valley-Tok Cutoff- Including the cities of Nebesna, Paxson, Chistochina, Mentasta Lake, and Slana 344 PM AKST Sat Dec 27 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 3 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Very cold temperatures 20 below to 40 below expected. * WHERE...Northern Copper Valley and Tok Cutoff. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 3 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coldest temperatures will be overnight, tonight into Sunday morning and Sunday night into Monday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && $$
646 WWAK71 PAFC 281243 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 343 AM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 AKZ711-290215- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Big Lake, Palmer, and Wasilla 343 AM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds will continue to strengthen this morning and peak this afternoon through Monday morning. Winds will be slow to to weaken, likely not dropping below 60 mph until late Monday. Expect blowing and drifting snow, though there isn't enough snow on the ground to cause reductions in visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ731-732-290215- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251229T2100Z/ Valdez-Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Thompson Pass and Valdez 343 AM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...North to East winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph in Valdez. Northeast winds 45 to 60 mph with gusts to 80 mph through Thompson Pass. * WHERE...Valdez and Thompson Pass. * WHEN...Until noon AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There will be two peaks in wind, one this morning and then another overnight tonight into Monday morning. Winds will weaken a bit in between, but remain strong and gusty. Also, expect areas of blowing and drifting snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ741-750-290215- /O.CON.PAFC.CW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/ Northern Copper Valley-Tok Cutoff- Including the cities of Nebesna, Chistochina, Mentasta Lake, Paxson, and Slana 343 AM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills of 30 below to 40 below expected. * WHERE...Northern Copper River Valley and along the Tok Cutoff. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest temperatures will be tonight through Monday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && $$ Baines
574 WWAK71 PAFC 290113 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 413 PM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 AKZ711-291500- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Wasilla, Big Lake, and Palmer 413 PM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds peaking this afternoon will continue through Monday morning. Winds will be slow to to weaken, likely not dropping below 60 mph until late Monday. Expect blowing and drifting snow, though there isn't enough snow on the ground to cause reductions in visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ731-732-291500- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251229T2100Z/ Valdez-Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Valdez and Thompson Pass 413 PM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...North to East winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph in Valdez. Northeast winds 45 to 60 mph with gusts to 80 mph through Thompson Pass. * WHERE...Valdez and Thompson Pass. * WHEN...Until noon AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds will peak overnight tonight into Monday morning. Winds will weaken a bit in between, but remain strong and gusty. Also, expect areas of blowing and drifting snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ741-750-291500- /O.CON.PAFC.CW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/ Northern Copper Valley-Tok Cutoff- Including the cities of Slana, Mentasta Lake, Chistochina, Nebesna, and Paxson 413 PM AKST Sun Dec 28 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills of 30 below to 40 below expected. * WHERE...Northern Copper River Valley and along the Tok Cutoff. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest temperatures will be tonight through Monday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && $$
893 WWAK71 PAFC 291402 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 502 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 AKZ731-291515- /O.CAN.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251229T2100Z/ Valdez- Including the cities of Valdez 502 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... Winds in Valdez are no longer expected to reach 60 mph. East winds will peak early this morning at gusts of 40 to 50 mph, then diminish through the day. $$ AKZ711-292215- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, and Big Lake 502 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds continue to gust in excess of 60 mph across much of the Matanuska Valley this morning. These winds will continue through around 9am this morning, then gradually diminish through the day. Winds won't die down completely until overnight tonight into early Tuesday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ732-292100- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251229T2100Z/ Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Thompson Pass 502 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST TODAY... * WHAT...Northeast winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts to 75 mph. * WHERE...Thompson Pass. * WHEN...Until noon AKST today. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds have peaked in Thompson Pass and will slowly diminish through the day, dropping to 40 to 50 mph gusts this afternoon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ741-750-292215- /O.CON.PAFC.CW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/ Northern Copper Valley-Tok Cutoff- Including the cities of Chistochina, Nebesna, Slana, Mentasta Lake, and Paxson 502 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills of 30 below to 40 below expected. * WHERE...Northern Copper River Valley and along the Tok Cutoff. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && $$ Baines
344 WWAK71 PAFC 292058 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 1158 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 AKZ732-292200- /O.EXP.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251229T2100Z/ Thompson Pass- Including the cities of Thompson Pass 1158 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT NOON AKST TODAY... Wind gusts will gradually diminish this afternoon and evening. $$ AKZ711-300000- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, and Big Lake 1158 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds continue to gust in excess of 60 mph across much of the Matanuska Valley this morning. These winds will continue through this evening, then gradually diminish through the night. Winds won't die down completely until early Tuesday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ AKZ741-750-300000- /O.CON.PAFC.CW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/ Northern Copper Valley-Tok Cutoff- Including the cities of Slana, Nebesna, Paxson, Mentasta Lake, and Chistochina 1158 AM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills of 30 below to 40 below expected. * WHERE...Northern Copper River Valley and along the Tok Cutoff. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed to these temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && $$
897 WWAK71 PAFC 292353 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 253 PM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 AKZ741-750-300100- /O.EXP.PAFC.CW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/ Northern Copper Valley-Tok Cutoff- Including the cities of Slana, Chistochina, Mentasta Lake, Nebesna, and Paxson 253 PM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 3 PM AKST THIS AFTERNOON... Wind chills will increase (warm) above 40 below as winds diminish this evening and overnight. $$ AKZ711-300600- /O.CON.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Big Lake, Wasilla, and Palmer 253 PM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Northeast winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Lower Matanuska Valley, including Palmer and Wasilla. * WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds could move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds continue to gust in excess of 60 mph across portions of the Matanuska Valley this afternoon. These winds will continue through this evening, then gradually diminish through the night. Winds won't die down completely until early Tuesday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. Use caution if you must drive. && $$ Quesada
672 WWAK71 PAFC 300559 NPWAER URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 859 PM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 AKZ711-300700- /O.EXP.PAFC.HW.W.0020.000000T0000Z-251230T0600Z/ Lower Matanuska Valley- Including the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, and Big Lake 859 PM AKST Mon Dec 29 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING... Isolated wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph remain possible through midnight, especially in a corridor east of Wasilla airport and west of Palmer airport. However, winds and gusts will continue slowly diminish in intensity through the overnight hours. $$ Markle
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Anchorage, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at Dec 26, 5:46 AM AKST, 7 hours 55 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Dec 26, 5:46 AM AKST, 7 hours 55 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Anchorage AK 546 AM AKST Fri Dec 26 2025 .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3/Today through Sunday night)... Key Points: * Widespread light snow will return to Southcentral today. While snow accumulation will generally be light (1 to 4 inches for most areas), there is high potential for reduced visibilities along area roadways as light and fluffy snow is easily lofted and blown around by the movement of vehicles. * A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Western Kenai Peninsula through midday Saturday for snow and blowing snow. The worst conditions will be areas near Cook Inlet from Anchor Point to Nikiski, where heavier snow rates and strong and gusty northerly winds will combine to reduce visibilities to one half mile or less at times. If you are in a moving vehicle, you will likely experience white out conditions at times. * For this weekend the pattern will shift back to cold and windy. High Wind Watches are in effect for the Matanuska Valley and Valdez/Thompson Pass, with increasing confidence in another round of strong and damaging winds. As winds strengthen across Southcentral Saturday through Saturday night, the fresh snow on the ground will be easily blown around and could cause visibility reductions along area roads. * There is potential for a long duration significant snowfall for the southeastern Copper River Basin (including McCarthy), but confidence in location of key features is low. Stay tuned. A temporary shift in the pattern is well underway as a flattened upper level ridge shifts eastward from the North-Central Pacific to the Northeast Pacific. A complex series of short-wave troughs are positioned north and west of the ridge. Of most significance to the forecast, an Arctic trough is digging southeastward across the central Bering Sea. Weak short-waves from the Pacific area being pulled north and east to southern Alaska ahead of this Arctic trough. The combination of warmer air overriding colder air in place over southern Alaska along with upward vertical motion from the weak short-waves is leading to widespread light precipitation. Snow overspread Kodiak Island overnight and is now spreading northward to the Kenai Peninsula. It was another cold night across Southcentral, but the low temperature occurred earlier in the night fro most locations and temperatures are very slowly rising as clouds and snow arrive. The forecast for widespread light snow across Southcentral is on track for today through early Saturday. Have upped snow totals just a bit based on latest model guidance. The biggest impact will not be due to snow totals, but rather reduced visibilities as dry and fluffy snow is lofted by either wind or simply the movement of vehicles along area roads. There had been some uncertainly in the forecast for Kodiak Island, but that is now much clearer. Models have shifted just a bit north and west with the track of a weak surface low tonight. This will bring more significant low level warming to all of Kodiak Island today, leading to a changeover to rain. Colder air then won't move back south until Saturday morning, delaying the switch back to snow and ameliorating previous concerns about heavier snow and blowing snow. Still expect some additional snow accumulation Saturday, but it will be light. Surface temperatures will remain at or above freezing for most of the island on Saturday, limiting the ability of snow to blow around. The strongest winds won't arrive until Saturday night, at which point snow will have ended. As we head to the weekend, the bulk of the Arctic trough crossing the Bering will dive southward across the Aleutians and into the Pacific. However, a second Arctic trough will phase with the northern remnants of the Bering short-wave and move into Southcentral. Model guidance has trended toward more aggressively digging this into Southcentral, though not all the way through Southcentral. The track and position of this trough is critical to the wind forecast. Based on this general trend, forecast confidence is growing in yet another strong and damaging wind event for the Matanuska Valley and Valdez/Thompson Pass. High Wind Watches have been hoisted for these zones. As we've seen over and over again this month, much of Southcentral, Kodiak Island, and the Gulf coastal waters will experience gusty winds, cold temperatures and low wind chill readings. As winds first strengthen Saturday through Saturday night with the arrival of the upper trough and cold air advection, the fluffy light snow on the ground will be easily blown around. Thus, expect impacts to travel once again, with areas of blowing and drifting snow along area roads. Meanwhile, the low which tracks east of Kodiak Island will continue northeastward across the Gulf toward Yakutat on Saturday, where it will stall. The upper trough will interact with this low and bring snow inland toward the southeastern Copper River Basin. The westward extent of snow will depend heavily on the position of the upper trough this weekend, which is still very much in question. A further west trough position would bring a long duration snow event (heavy at times) to McCarthy, with potential for a foot or more of snow. A further east trough position would keep the heaviest snow east of McCarthy. A new low moving up from the Northeast Pacific Sunday night through Monday could then bring another round of snow to this same area - and possibly pushing westward into other portions of Southcentral. Stay tuned, as model spread is fairly large right now and forecast confidence in the snow forecast later this weekend is low. -SEB/TK && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3: Today through Saturday)... The forecast remains on track, with several Warnings and Advisories set to be in effect/or are already in effect across the Aleutians, Alaska Peninsula, and Southwest Alaska: * Blizzard Warning for Pribilof Islands remains in effect until noon today. * Blizzard Warnings in effect for the Eastern Aleutians and Northern Bristol Bay coast beginning noon today and lasts through 5PM Saturday. * Winter Weather Advisories for Kuskokwim Delta, Western Capes, Greater Bristol Bay through 11PM tonight. * Winter Weather Advisories for Northern, Central, and Southern Alaska Peninsula through 5PM Saturday. * Cold Weather Advisory issued for the Kuskokwim Delta and Kuskokwim Valley from tonight until Sunday morning. The pattern continues to remain active with a ~996 mb low located near Adak that is being absorbed into a larger trough, with its front spreading northeastward across the southern Bering Sea into the Bristol Bay region. What is impressive with this system is not the strength of the low, but rather how large the pressure/thermal gradient is along the front due to a strong 1040 mb arctic high located to the north. Most of the forcing for the precipitation from this system is from isentropic lift, where relatively warmer air is overrunning colder air at the surface. 500 mb analysis shows a digging arctic trough moving southward from the Bering Strait region that is aiding the front with upper level divergence/additional lift. This morning, rain has transitioned to snow for the Pribilof Islands as dynamic cooling from the upper levels continues to cool the column as lapse rates steepen. With winds gusting up to 60 to 70 mph, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until noon today. The latest GFS and NAM deterministic runs show a short lived snow event for the area, with the potential for gusty winds to loft snow after snowfall comes to an end this afternoon. However, the hi-res guidance and the EURO/Canadian show light snow showers continuing after the band currently over them moves out later today. The overall trend does favor a slower progression of precipitation, with the band taking a little longer to move out and some convective snow showers developing in its wake. For the Bristol Bay coast, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from noon today to noon Saturday. Radar returns over this part of coastal Southwest Alaska are on par with model guidance +/- 2 hours, with the outer edges of the precipitation having to contend with some dry air. This first push of snow is the beginning of a long duration snow event setting up for this area. Not only is this area in a sweet spot for QPF, but increasing winds will be keeping visibilities quite low. These wind gusts are going to likely max out this afternoon/evening around 50 mph. Locally higher snowfall amounts of up to 20 inches are possible along the coast around the Dillingham/Clark's Point area. There is more uncertainty farther south along the Alaska Peninsula given track/timing differences which will determine how long precipitation will remain rain before transitioning over to snow Friday afternoon/evening with the arrival of the surge of cold air. Winds increase across Southwest Alaska through the day on Friday, which will cause blowing snow to limit visibility. Visibility is likely to improve Saturday as snow gradually tapers off from northwest to southeast. There is higher confidence in the eastern Aleutians for blizzard conditions with winds increasing to gust around 60-70 mph, though snow amounts are likely to be lower there, with the exception of Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Over the eastern Bering Sea, storm force winds develop Friday night. Winds look to persist into the weekend, only gradually diminishing, which may continue to loft snow after precipitation ends on Saturday. Across interior Southwest Alaska, specifically portions of the Kuskokwim Delta and Lower Kuskokwim Valley, temperatures will be quite cold, with wind chills/apparent temperatures dropping to near or below 40 degrees below zero beginning Friday night. Along the Southwest coast, the cold air and gale to storm force winds will combine to produce a heavy to extreme freezing spray hazard that lasts into the weekend. -AM/Chen/JH && .LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Monday through Thursday)... A highly-amplified upper-level pattern is present at the beginning of next week with a ridge over the Bering Sea and an elongated trough across southern mainland Alaska anchored by a closed low south of Kodiak Island. A strong pressure and density gradient driven by cold air over Interior Alaska and in the Copper River Basin will keep gusty gap winds going through typical locations, including the Matanuska Valley the Valdez area/Thompson Pass, and Copper River Delta. Synoptically-forced gap winds to storm force will also be ongoing through the Alaska Peninsula on Monday, to the west of the stacked, complex low south of Kodiak Island. Light snow in the Copper River Basin on Monday may pivot back west over the rest of Southcentral as the low south of Kodiak slowly shifts into the Gulf of Alaska for Tuesday. However, the moisture tap exits to the east and cuts off precipitation for mid-to-late week. Gap winds gradually diminish through the week as the Gulf low weakens and drifts east, meanwhile a new low begins to track into the Bering Sea on Wednesday and Thursday. This warm system looks to bring mostly rain, though the leading (north) edge of the front could start as snow for locations on the Alaska Peninsula, the Pribilof Islands, or Southwest Alaska (though precipitation chances there are lower). Temperatures remain below average across southern Alaska, with the coldest areas being the Copper River Basin and interior Southwest Alaska, where ambient temperatures will hover in the range of 10 to 30 below zero next week. Quesada && .AVIATION... PANC...VFR conditions will persist until late this morning as ceilings steadily fall through midday. IFR to MVFR conditions will begin with the onset of light snow today by approximately 21z. There is some uncertainty for the exact start time of snow, depending mainly on just how quickly the dry air in place is able to saturate down to the surface. Conditions will slowly begin to improve Saturday morning as snow clears out and as ceilings and visibility slowly shift back towards VFR levels. However, winds increasing to around 15 to 20 kts could still cause minor blowing and drifting snow around the terminal from late tonight through Saturday. &&
In the hours before
Local storm report, Dec 26, 8:28 AM AKST, 5 hours 13 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
828 AM AKST Fri Dec 26 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0827 AM Snow Kodiak 57.80N 152.38W
12/26/2025 M3.0 Inch Kodiak Island AK Trained Spotter
Snow accumulation since last night. Still
snowing.
&&
QuesadaThe office that day
Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 5 days | |
| Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 59 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKST | Heavy Freezing Spray Warning | AFC | 4 days | |
| Dec 25, 6:35 PM AKST | High Wind Watch | AFC | Chugach Census Area, Matanuska-Susitna | 19 hr |
| Dec 26, 3:40 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 72 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:52 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 61 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:52 AM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 61 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:52 AM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 61 hr | |
| Dec 26, 2:24 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 50 hr | |
| Dec 26, 2:24 PM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 50 hr | |
| Dec 26, 2:24 PM AKST | Heavy Freezing Spray Warning | AFC | 50 hr |
Nearby
High Wind Warnings in Alaska, 2025Every high wind warning in 2025
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.