ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – As someone who called Anchorage home for a full decade (2004 to 2014), news of the recent windstorms in the area have me stunned! Images of the damage on social media are just staggering, and I am definitely aching with concern for the people I still know there. Anchorage is a city filled resilient people and rugged landscapes, but even these strengths can be tested by nature’s fury.

Reports about the wind speeds have varied from site to site, but at least one source had them as high as 130 miles per hour. Florida residents will recognize that as the speed of a Category 3 Hurricane! Images on social media and other news sites have shown trees snapped and scattered, roofs ripped away, and streets impassible due to flooding. Anchorage is well known for its bitter cold winters, but higher than normal temperatures this past weekend have left huge areas of standing water throughout the city.

Some areas, such as Hillside and Eagle River, appear to have been hit especially hard. The community has been rallying to clear debris and check on neighbors, showcasing the strong spirit I remember so vividly from my time there. Assessments of the damage are still coming in, but early indications point to significant loss of property. Utility companies, such as Chugach Electric, have been working around the clock to restore power. The Anchorage School District closed all schools on Monday, with selected schools also closing in neighboring districts. While Anchorage is no stranger to severe weather, this storm will not soon be forgotten.

Living in Anchorage taught me that Alaskans know how to adapt and support one another in times of crisis. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me as I have endured all the severe weather Florida has faced over the last decade. Even now as I watch from afar, my heart remains with the people and place that was such a vital part of my life for so many years. For those impacted, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. The Anchorage I know is strong, united, and capable of weathering any storm.

References

Disclaimer: The facts of this article were curated from multiple news platforms cited below. These sources have been used according to the laws governing fair use. Only facts in the public domain – no opinions or commentary from other news outlets – were used in its creation. Any opinions expressed are those of the author.

1. “Fencing, Roof of Anchorage Pedestrian Bridge Fall in Strong Wind, Closing Highway.” AP News, 12 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/dbf9c94ef49b5a27d9e419baff005902.
2. “Roof Ripped Off Anchorage Home Amid Intense Wind Gusts.” Alaska’s News Source, 13 Jan. 2025, https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/01/13/roof-ripped-off-anchorage-home-amid-intense-wind-gusts/.
3. “Damage Assessments Underway in Alaska After Big Storm.” K-LOVE, https://www.klove.com/news/U.S.%20%26%20World/damage-assessments-underway-in-alaska-after-big-storm-36321. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
4. “High Wind Warning in Effect for the AK Peninsula until 4pm.” National Weather Service, https://www.weather.gov/afc/HighWindBeringStormReview. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
5. “With Repair Estimate in Millions, Anchorage Braces for 1-2 Wind Storm Punch.” Alaska Public Media, 14 Sept. 2012, https://alaskapublic.org/news/2012-09-14/with-repair-estimate-in-millions-anchorage-braces-for-1-2-wind-storm-punch.