High Wind — Haines Borough and Klukwan, Alaska

2025-09-17 · Haines Borough and Klukwan, Alaska

Event narrative

A cruise ship pilot in Haines Harbor called in a report of wind gusts of 60-65kt between 3-330pm AKDT on the 17th. Speeds were likely measured above the bridge of the ship. The ship moved from their moored location in Portage Cove to Lutak Inlet to get out of the high winds, stranding passengers for a period of time. The peak gust measured at the Haines Airport ASOS was 49mph at 339pm AKDT.

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 1295684. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.