High Wind Warning Issued for Thompson Pass with Gusts Up to 85 MPH

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage AK has issued a High Wind Warning for Thompson Pass. The alert is in response to expected severe wind conditions and dangerously low wind chills that pose a threat to property and safety.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Thompson Pass region (AKZ732).

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected area are urged to take the following precautions:

• Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
• Prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages.
• Use extreme caution if you must drive, as travel will be difficult.
• Limit skin exposure; dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speeds: North winds of 40 to 65 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 85 mph.
• Wind Chill: Wind chill values are forecast to drop to 40 degrees below zero on Wednesday night.
• Visibility: Blowing snow caused by high winds will reduce visibilities to one-half mile or less at times. Near-blizzard conditions are possible as winds first develop and move freshly fallen snow.
• Impacts: High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel is expected to be difficult due to wind and reduced visibility.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective from 3:00 AM AKST Wednesday, February 25, until 9:00 AM AKST Thursday, February 26. North to northeast winds will rapidly strengthen late Tuesday afternoon, peaking Wednesday through Wednesday night. Winds are expected to very slowly diminish Thursday through Friday.