High Wind Warning Issued for Sitka, Prince of Wales Island, and Southeast Alaska
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Southeast Alaska, with gusts up to 65 mph expected to cause property damage and travel disruptions through Thursday.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a High Wind Warning for multiple regions across Southeast Alaska. This alert indicates that severe wind conditions are likely and expected to pose a significant hazard to the area.
Affected Areas
The following geographic regions and boroughs are included in the warning area:
- City and Borough of Sitka
- Petersburg Borough
- Western Kupreanof and Kuiu Island
- Prince of Wales Island
- City and Borough of Wrangell
- Ketchikan Gateway Borough
- Annette Island
What You Should Do
Residents in the affected areas are urged to take immediate preparatory actions:
- Secure vessels and any loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
- Prepare for potential property damage and power outages.
- Be aware that travel by land, sea, or air will be difficult during this window.
- Report any observed damage to the National Weather Service by visiting weather.gov/Juneau/StormReports.
Expected Conditions
Forecasters expect south winds ranging from 25 to 35 mph, with powerful gusts reaching up to 65 mph. The National Weather Service notes that there is currently uncertainty regarding the specific track of the storm, which may impact the final forecasted wind speeds. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates at weather.gov/juneau.
Timeline
The High Wind Warning is scheduled to go into effect at 3:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 12. The alert is currently set to expire at 6:00 PM AKST on Thursday evening.
Source: NOAA Official Notice