Hurricane-force winds cause widespread damage in Alaska's largest city

In Anchorage, Alaska, a powerful storm struck on Sunday, January 12, 2025, bringing hurricane-force winds that resulted in significant damage to homes and infrastructure. As the storm raged, wind gusts reached an astonishing 132 mph at a weather station located to the south, while other reports indicated gusts of 107 mph in nearby regions. The aftermath was severe, with thousands left without power and extensive debris scattered throughout the city. Many residents were forced to evacuate or take cover as winds peeled roofs from homes and downed trees. The extreme weather event caused the partial collapse of the Rabbit Creek Pedestrian Bridge along the Seward Highway, the primary route leading south out of the city. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, though the fallen structure closed the highway for a few hours as crews worked to clear the debris. School closures were also reported across Anchorage, with hazardous conditions due to slick roads and power outages affecting several facilities. Emergency services in Anchorage were inundated with calls. The Anchorage Fire Department managed over 200 incidents related to wind damage, highlighting the danger residents faced during the storm. The utility company, Chugach Electric, reported that more than 17,500 customers were affected at the storm's peak, although crews were able to restore power to a significant number by Tuesday morning, reducing the outages to about 1,900 homes. A large low-pressure system that developed in the Bering Sea was responsible for the extreme weather, bringing not just winds, but also warm air, with temperatures noted to be in the low 40s Fahrenheit. As Anchorage began recovery, officials from the National Weather Service reminded residents of the potential for further storms, urging preparedness as the winter season continues.