Palmer faces blowing dust, 45-mph gusts as Gulf storm hits Sunday

The Lower Matanuska Valley will face sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts reaching 45 mph Sunday, with blowing dust near Palmer, Butte, and exposed sections of the Glenn Highway reducing visibility and creating hazardous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Friday for the region as a strong Gulf of Alaska system moves into Southwest Alaska. The statement, issued June 13 at 2:26 p.m. AKDT and set to expire at 6 a.m. Sunday, forecasts the strongest winds from late Sunday morning through Sunday evening.

Blowing dust will develop near Palmer, Butte, and along exposed sections of the Glenn Highway, occasionally reducing visibility. The combination of high winds and reduced visibility creates hazardous conditions for drivers, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles.

The weather service advises residents to secure outdoor objects and exercise caution when driving or towing high-profile vehicles. The open terrain around Butte and the Matanuska River corridor allows high winds to loft and transport dust during dry, windy conditions.