The Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough in Alaska announced a disaster following a multi-day windstorm that delivered hurricane-force wind gusts from Dec. 5–9, causing widespread damage to homes, downed power lines and business closures throughout the area.
Borough officials reported gusts of at least 89 mph, with winds frequently surpassing 50 mph during the event, per Alaska’s News Source. Emergency responders noted extensive property damage across the area, including fences that were destroyed, vehicles suffering damage and public utilities being significantly impacted. (RELATED: West Virginia, Maryland Hit With Blizzard Warnings Ahead Of Massive Winter Storm)
Mat-Su stated that the destruction “exceeds the timely and effective response capability of local resources,” triggering officials to request state disaster assistance for affected residents, businesses and public facilities.
The declaration is looking for state financial aid through both public disaster and individual disaster programs.
Thousands of people in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are still without power after strong winds tore through the region.
Mat-Su Sentinel reporter Amy Bushatz recounts the intensity of the winds and the damage left behind.
Take a listen:https://t.co/snr7fFrCaG
— Alaska Public Media News (@AKpublicnews) December 9, 2025
Over the weekend, utility crews were restoring downed power lines while thousands of residents endured prolonged outages amid sub-zero wind chills. The borough expressed gratitude to linemen, first responders and road crews at the state and local levels for their tireless response to service calls and the ongoing recovery.
The borough also expressed appreciation to the American Red Cross, the City of Wasilla and Mat-Su College for providing emergency shelters to help residents impacted.
“We have had about 30 to 50 people, kind of coming in and out, throughout the day in our shelters,” said American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Taylar Sausen while speaking Monday to Alaska’s News Source.