ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Destructive winds battered an area just north of Anchorage for the third straight day on Monday — flipping small airplanes and semitrailers, forcing schools to close, leaving thousands without power and severely damaging a fast-food restaurant. Two shelters opened for people needing refuge from the powerful winds and cold temperatures in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Forecasts called winds of 40 to 50 mph (64-80 kph), with gusts of 80 mph (129 kph), the National Weather Service said. Borough officials urged residents to shelter in place until the storm passes. Damage in the area included reports of downed trees and power lines, roofs blown off buildings and overturned trucks, trailers and airplanes, said National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Kutz.

Source: thestar January 04, 2022 05:02 UTC