• Hurricane-force winds reached up to 132 mph in parts of Anchorage.
• Over 17,500 customers experienced power outages due to storm damage.
• A pedestrian bridge partially collapsed, but no injuries were reported.
• Clean-up efforts are ongoing as residents begin to recover from the storm.
• The storm marks a significant weather event amid increasing frequency of extreme weather in the U.S.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Following a devastating storm that struck Anchorage, Alaska, on Sunday, thousands of residents are grappling with **widespread power outages** as recovery efforts begin. Winds measured at hurricane-force levels caused significant damage, including downed power lines and **collapsed infrastructure**. A peak gust of 132 mph (212 kph) was recorded at a mountain weather station south of the city, while winds within Anchorage reached a notable 75 mph (121 kph) (AP News).

At the height of the storm, approximately **17,500 customers were left without power**, with updated figures from Chugach Electric Association indicating about 5,700 still offline into Monday. Full restoration efforts may extend until Tuesday as crews face damaged power lines intertwined with debris, including trees and household items (Newsweek).

The fierce winds also forced major disruptions at Anchorage’s airport, a vital hub for both passenger and cargo flights. Thirteen aircraft, including a U.S. Air Force plane, were diverted to Fairbanks as conditions deteriorated (AP News). Meanwhile, local resident Steven Wood recounted a dramatic moment when he witnessed a neighbor's roof lift off and come dangerously close to hitting his home, shouting, "Incoming! Everybody run!"

Significantly, a pedestrian bridge over the Seward Highway partially collapsed due to the winds, with debris spilling onto the roadway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Alaska Department of Transportation has stated that **structural assessments** of the bridge will be conducted to further understand the damage (Newsweek).

As recovery efforts unfold, many are left reflecting on the implications of extreme weather events like this storm. With power outages growing prominent across the U.S. due to heightened **severe weather conditions**, the vulnerabilities of electrical grids and essential services have come to the forefront, raising concerns about public safety, especially for those dependent on electronic medical devices.

The National Weather Service attributes the unusual convergence of conditions—high winds, warmer temperatures, and moisture—directly to a low-pressure system in the Bering Sea, leading to this exceptional weather event. Alaska typically faces these storms less frequently during winter months, coupled with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit, raising eyebrows among local meteorologists as they assess the ongoing impact of climate change on regional weather patterns.

Cleanup and recovery efforts will be essential as Anchorage begins to heal from this intense storm.

For more detailed coverage, visit AP News and Newsweek.