High Wind — Eastern Chichagof Island, Alaska

2025-09-17 · Eastern Chichagof Island, Alaska

Event narrative

The Hoonah COOP reported damaging winds on the 17th, noting: heavy gusts, fallen trees, power outages, light shelters destroyed, and debris on road. After 8am that day the Hoonah Airport AWOS stopped reporting due to a power outage caused by a tree in the lines, which was confirmed later by the local power company with photos.

Wider weather episode

A storm force low developed and pushed into the eastern Gulf of Alaska the evening of Tuesday 9/16/2025 through Wednesday 9/17/2025, bringing widespread strong to high winds to the panhandle. Winds surged northward through the inner channels as the low center tracked closer to the coast and jumped inland. The Juneau Airport Wind System (JAWS) was lit up all day due to wind shear and flights were cancelled. Cruise ships via the USCG changed plans and stayed the night in ports before onset of winds and missed their next 1 or 2 ports of call. There were numerous reports of localized damage to siding and roofs.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1295677. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.