Alert archive / Alaska / High Wind Warnings in 2025

High Wind Warning 20, NWS Anchorage, AK

December 26, 2025Chugach Census Area, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 27, 9:40 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 74Thompson Pass, AKReported 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 74Thompson Pass, AKReported 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 674 Wnw Palmer, AKSustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 60 mph.
Dec 28, 7:30 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 674 Wnw Palmer, AKSUSTAINED WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 45 TO 60 MPH.
Dec 28, 7:40 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 76Palmer Municipal Airpor, AKSustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts of 55 to 75.
Dec 28, 7:40 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 76Palmer Municipal Airpor, AKSUSTAINED WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 55 TO 75.
Dec 28, 8:57 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 66Wolf Lake Airport, AKSustained winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 65 mph.
Dec 28, 8:57 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 66Wolf Lake Airport, AKSUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 50 TO 65 MPH.
Dec 28, 9:56 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 55Wasilla Airport, AKSustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 40 to 55 mph.
Dec 28, 9:56 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 55Wasilla Airport, AKSUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO 55 MPH.
Dec 28, 10:15 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 685 Ese Wasilla, AKSustained winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph.
Dec 28, 10:15 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 685 Ese Wasilla, AKSUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH.
Dec 28, 10:50 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 786 Sw Palmer, AKGlenn 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 786 Sw Palmer, AKGLENN 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 55Valdez Airport, AK
Dec 28, 12:50 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 76Thompson Pass, AKMax wind gust of 76 mph as of 2 PM at Thompson Pass MP 2.
Dec 28, 1:10 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 806 Sw Palmer, AKMax gust of 80 mph as of 150 PM at the Glenn Highway at MP 34.5 mesonet.
Dec 28, 1:10 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 806 Sw Palmer, AKMAX GUST OF 80 MPH AS OF 150 PM AT THE GLENN HIGHWAY AT MP 34.5 MESONET.
Dec 28, 1:46 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 62Wasilla Airport, AKMax 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 62Wasilla Airport, AKMAX 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 78Palmer Municipal Airpor, AKMax 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 78Palmer Municipal Airpor, AKMAX 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 811 Ne Palmer, AK
Dec 28, 6:10 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 811 Ne Palmer, AK
Dec 28, 6:30 PM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 806 Sw Palmer, AKMax 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 806 Sw Palmer, AKMAX 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 90Palmer Municipal Airpor, AKMax 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 90Palmer Municipal Airpor, AKMAX 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 67Wasilla Airport, AKMax 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 67Wasilla Airport, AKMAX 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 685 Ese Wasilla, AKMax 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 685 Ese Wasilla, AKMAX 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 AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 774 Wnw Palmer, AKMax wind gust of 77 mph as of 1130 AM Dec 29th.
Dec 29, 8:38 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 774 Wnw Palmer, AKMAX WIND GUST OF 77 MPH AS OF 1130 AM DEC 29TH.
Dec 29, 10:53 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 52Talkeetna Airport, AK
Dec 29, 10:53 AM AKSTNON-TSTM WND GST 52Talkeetna 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Anchorage Iap/Pt. Campbe, at 12:00Z on 2025-12-26Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Anchorage Iap/Pt. Campbe, at 12:00Z on 2025-12-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -53 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
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

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

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.

&&

Quesada

The office that day

Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC48 hr
Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC5 days
Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC59 hr
Dec 25, 3:52 PM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC4 days
Dec 25, 6:35 PM AKSTHigh Wind WatchAFCChugach Census Area, Matanuska-Susitna19 hr
Dec 26, 3:40 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC72 hr
Dec 26, 3:52 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC61 hr
Dec 26, 3:52 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC61 hr
Dec 26, 3:52 AM AKSTStorm WarningAFC61 hr
Dec 26, 2:24 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC50 hr
Dec 26, 2:24 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC50 hr
Dec 26, 2:24 PM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC50 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.