Surprise thunderstorms rolled through the Matanuska Valley Tuesday afternoon, which led the National Weather Service to issue a severe weather warning for the area.
An "unstable atmosphere" led to quickly forming thunderstorms producing hail southeast of Willow, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Rebecca Duell. The NWS Anchorage office issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area around 3:45 p.m, which was extended until 6 p.m.
The storm weakened as it traveled southeast, passing near Wasilla, Palmer and Eklutna. Hail as large as one inch in diameter was reported in the area, the NWS said.
Duell said with unstable weather conditions, other storms could pop up Tuesday evening.