Strong Wind — Middle Tanana Valley, Alaska

2014-05-31 · Middle Tanana Valley, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A cold front moved north over the area during the afternoon and brought gusty winds which lasted into the evening. At the Fairbanks International Airport, the ASOS reported a peak gust of 42 mph (37 kt). Other wind sensors in the area recorded peak gusts of 25 to 37 mph.

With the leading edge of the cold front some thunderstorms occurred...lasting no more than an hour in any location.

There were widespread but mostly short duration power outages. Around 12 fires started when trees fell across power lines...but all were contained and most did not expand to more than one-tenth of an acre. A parked float plane at Fairbanks International Airport was blown over. Visibility was briefly reduced to 3 miles or less in places Saturday afternoon due to blowing dust. Damage amount is roughly estimated as minor damage occurred in various areas , such as a sign blown down at a plumbing store and several residents had portions of roofing blown off.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 509962. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.