Associated Press
High winds have shut down the port of Valdez and suspended loading Alaska oil unto tankers.
The port closed Saturday, after winds peaked at 95 miles per hour. The National Weather Service reported several instances of debris shattering windows and blowing siding off some Valdez buildings. Even stronger winds were reported at Thompson Pass, where some vehicles became stranded.
The Alyeska Pipeline Company terminal remains open. An Alyeska official says oil flowing from the trans-Alaska pipeline is being put into storage tanks.
Peggy Perales with the weather service says vessels are waiting out the winds in a safe harbor.
When the port will reopen is uncertain. A high wind warning with gusts to 80 miles per hour remains in effect for Valdez until 6pm today with with higher gusts predicted for Thompson Pass.
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