Marine High Wind · Gulf of Alaska

A fast moving 987 MB Low tracked eastward from the Gulf through the Southern Panhandle on this date. The tightly wrapped system had a 120+ knot northwest-southeast oriented jet on its backside. The pattern is better known as a "bent-back occlusion" and results in storm force or greater winds for a few hours time in the improving skies behind the Low center. Quickscat winds verified 52+ knot winds in our coastal marine zones. A six inch diameter tree was snapped in half on Blashkie Island (northern Clarence Strait), falling into and damaging the work building of our cooperative observer there. Winds were estimated at 80 mph. Some other measured peak wind gusts were: Cape Decision 64 mph...Greys Islet (B.C.) 61 mph...and Hydaburg 55 mph. No vessels reported distress.