Weekend wind damage in the Mat-Su Valley: A tree toppled onto a garage in Settlers Bay, captured by Alaska Headline Living, highlighting the impact of high winds across the area.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Wasilla, Alaska – December 8, 2025
🏢 State Office Closures
All State of Alaska Executive Offices in the Mat-Su Borough are closed on Monday, December 8 due to high winds creating unsafe access at state-owned facilities.
Key points for state employees:
- Telework-ready employees should continue working unless approved otherwise.
- Essential employees in Public Safety, Corrections, Family and Community Services, and 24-hour services must remain on duty unless on approved leave.
- Check updates regularly: www.alaska.gov or call 1-877-326-5551.
🚌 School Closures and Activity Cancellations
The Matanuska–Susitna Borough School District reports:
- Closed: Regions 1–5 and Region 7 for the day, all activities canceled.
- Open: Region 6 (Su-Valley, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Willow) operating on normal schedule; transportation updates will be shared in the morning.
Stay updated: MSBSD Delays and Closures
⚠️ Local Hazards and Wind-Damaged Trees
Wind damage in the N Finger/Cottonwood Lake neighborhood of Wasilla is creating dangerous road conditions:
- A large pine tree on East Alder Drive between Lilac Court and Willow is hanging just inches above the road, supported only by an electrical wire.
- Two large cottonwoods near Cottonwood Loop and Fireweed Drive are leaning significantly.
- Power outages have been reported since 8:30 p.m. and 10:45 a.m. respectively.
Safety tips:
- Avoid driving under hanging or leaning trees.
- Report hazards and outages to local authorities.
- Exercise extreme caution when traveling in affected areas.
Weather Outlook and Safety Precautions
The National Weather Service in Anchorage warns that frigid wind chills will continue through late this week, with strong winds, snow, and multiple advisories in effect for areas including Thompson Pass, the Matanuska Valley, Kodiak Island, the Kuskokwim Delta, Anchorage, and parts of the Copper River Basin. Prolonged cold poses the greatest risk to vulnerable groups such as newborns, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and unhoused individuals, and residents are urged to take extra precautions. Safety measures include dressing in loose layers, covering exposed skin, limiting time outdoors, consuming hot foods and drinks while avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and checking on family, friends, and neighbors.
Safety Reminder
- Stay informed through official state and local channels regularly.
- Protect vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly.
- Dress warmly and limit exposure to extreme cold.
- Avoid downed trees, leaning trees, or damaged electrical wires.
- Follow updates on power outages and road conditions.
