High Wind — Yukon Flats Nearby Uplands, Alaska

2009-01-15 · Yukon Flats Nearby Uplands, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A strong Chinook developed as a ridge of high pressure developed across the eastern Pacific and a trough of low pressure developed across eastern Russia. This produced a period of high winds in the Alaska Range as well as parts of the Deltana Flats and the Upper Tanana Valley. The most significant event occurred in Delta Junction (zone 223) about a mile from the Delta River. The high winds that were estimated between 80 and 95 mph blew down trees and as well as the roof of an occupied cabin. The south side of the roof was lifted off the cabin and ripped apart, landing in a pile more than 100 feet from the cabin. The other half of the roof lifted off the cabin and flipped, landing as a complete unit about 30 feet from the cabin. When the roof was blown off the cabin the wood stove in the cabin was moved about 2 feet and the interior stove pipe was lying on the floor several feet away. Estimate damage to this residence is $15,000. The high winds knocked out power and phone service in the area, which was restored to most homes later in the day. At one point during the morning, much of the city of Delta Junction was without power. At Whitestone Farms near Delta Junction, many trees were reported blown down. Minor damage was sustained to a building and a vehicle when a tree fell onto both, estimated damage $1700, a window was broken when a tree branch came through it, estimated damage $300, and metal roofing came off a portion of a building, estimate damage $1000. In Denali National Park and Preserve (zone 225), a number of trees were reported blown down.

The highest wind gusts that were measured or observed were:

Zone 220: Eagle Summit Meteorburst: Measured 68 mph/59 kt.

Zone 223: Delta Junction: Estimated 80 to 95 mph. The Whitestone Farms Davis instruments anemometer showed a winds speed just over 78 knots/90 mph before it stopped reporting.

Zone 224: NWS Spotter near Robertson River on Alaska Highway: Estimated 60 mph/52kt.

Zone 225: Antler Creek DOT RWIS (on the Parks Highway MP 244) measured 74 mph/64 kt.

Zone 226: Texas Condo: Measured 80 mph/69 kt.

Washington Range: Measured 77 mph/67 kt.

OP 12A: Measured 84 mph/73 kt.

The observations in zone 226 are all part of the Fort Greely mesonet.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 141982. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.