Thunderstorm Wind in Cook Inlet and Copper River Basin, Alaska

An active frontal system associated with a very strong upper level trough moved across south-central Alaska during the late evening. Thunderstorms, hail and strong winds were reported over Cook Inlet, the Susitna Valley, the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound. In the Anchorage/Eagle River area hail stones from 0.13 to 0.50 inches were reported. Winds to 55 knots accompanied the hail and thunderstorms. The storm blew down shallow rooted trees, did damage to fences, signs and roofs as well as causing power outages to more than 6,000 homes. Two miles west of Cordova At 2230 AST 60 knot winds grounded the state ferry "Bartlett" carrying 33 passengers and 23 crew members. No one on board was injured. Strong winds blew an airplane that was tied up at Eyak Lake spit into the lake and was lost. As the front moved into the Copper River Basin winds gusted to 77 knots in exposed areas. Gulkana recorded a peak gust of 46 knots.