Copyright Newsweek
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued an urgent storm warning as well as other severe weather alerts for thousands of Alaskans on Tuesday as a storm rolled into the panhandle. The strong winds are expected to cause numerous power outages. "We are concerned with the strong gusty winds impacting any mariners out on the water," NWS lead meteorologist Brian Bezenek told Newsweek. "For the high wind, there would be potential for flying debris, trees coming down, and downed power lines." Why It Matters Earlier this month, the remnants of Typhoon Halong pummeled western Alaska, killing at least one person and causing dozens of others to need rescue. The storm unleashed hurricane-force winds and devastating storm surges in the communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Now, another storm is bringing impacts to the Alaskan panhandle, requiring the NWS to issue a storm warning, a high wind warning, a gale warning, and a small craft advisory. What To Know Several low-pressure systems are battering Alaska this week. One such system has moved inland over the northern panhandle early Tuesday morning, an NWS forecast said, allowing a temporary respite from the strong winds and heavy rain. However, another low-pressure system will follow it throughout the day, causing a strong, gale-force front to impact the panhandle through Tuesday afternoon. "By 7pm, a High Wind Warning for the southern panhandle will be active as the front begins to push northeast over land," an NWS forecast said. "Gusts between 60 to 65 mph are expected with the peak of this system in the southeastern gulf and pushing up through the southern panhandle. A possibility remains for low-end sustained storm force winds with strong storm force gusts to develop up Hecate Strait into Dixon Entrance and in areas off the western coast of the panhandle up to around 60 NM offshore of Cape Spencer, though this would be [short-lived] through the early evening." Storm Warning Issued Near Juneau, Alaska: What We Know Seas reached more than 20 feet in some places, according to a storm warning from NWS Juneau. The storm was also bringing rain through Tuesday evening, with the chance of thunderstorms extending into later tonight. The high wind warning is in place for Prince of Wales Island, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, and Annette Island, including the cities of Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Ketchikan, and Metlakatla. Thousands of people were placed on alert. NWS Juneau warned that winds could gust as high as 65 mph, which is equivalent to a tropical storm. The high wind warning will go into effect at 7 p.m. local time Tuesday night and remain in place through early Wednesday morning. What People Are Saying NWS lead meteorologist Brian Bezenek told Newsweek: "Fall is our typical storm season. We'll get high winds, 60 mph gusts, at a fairly consistent rate with the stronger storms." NWS Juneau in a high wind warning: "High winds will blow around unsecured objects and may damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult." The warning added: "Highest wind gusts expected on the southwest portion of Prince of Wales Island, including Hydaburg. Locations at elevation above 1000 ft may see gusts exceed 70 mph. People are urged to secure vessels and loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind." What Happens Next The winds are expected to diminish on Wednesday morning. People in the affected areas should follow the advice of local weather officials.
