High Wind — Northeast Prince William Sound, Alaska

2024-11-18 to 2024-11-19 · Northeast Prince William Sound, Alaska

Event narrative

The Department of Transportation estimated winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts of 60 to 80 mph peaking between 11/18 and 11/19/24. The Valdez AWOS also reported a peak wind gust to 71 mph 10:34 AM AKST 11/19/24.

Wider weather episode

Strong high pressure over the Copper River Basin contrasting with an area of low pressure over the northern Gulf of Alaska, coupled with strong northerly flow aloft, supported a prolonged period of strong winds through Thompson Pass from 11/18 to 11/19. The strongest wind gusts were estimated by the Department of Transportation to be around 80 mph through Thompson Pass.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1226454. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.