High Wind — City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska

2025-09-22 · City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska

Event narrative

The ferry M/V Columbia traveling through Peril Strait, along the northern border of the zone, measured a peak gust out of the east of 52kt at 645am AKDT. Peak winds measured at the Sitka Airport ASOS was 46mph after winds shifted to the SW.

Based on the sting jet hitting the outer coast of Baranof and Kruzof Islands, expect tree damage to unpopulated areas.

Wider weather episode

A quick moving storm force low pressure system deepened to 972mb as it tracked NE over the Eastern Gulf of Alaska on September 22nd. A sting jet formed on the south side of the low with hurricane force wind gusts. As the low jumped inland near Cross Sound, a sudden wind shift from east to west caused significant tree fall and damage to the community of Elfin Cove.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1295694. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.