High Wind — Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

2015-12-27 to 2015-12-28 · Wrn P.w. Snd & Kenai Mtns, Alaska

Event narrative

Winds through Whittier tunnel gusted to 91 mph shortly after 9:20 p.m. A tractor trailer blew over on the road between Whittier and Portage.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system entered the Aleutian Islands at 976 mb the morning of 6/23. It rapidly strengthened to 955 mb and moved across the Bering Sea. This storm brought strong winds to the Aleutians and Pribiliof Islands, and caused blizzard conditions along the West Coast with snow ahead of the front. One death attributed to whiteout conditions occurred during this time. Prolonged periods of high winds and heavy waves caused damage along the West Coast. A second low pressure system that formed along the front also brought high winds and blizzard conditions to southcentral Alaska.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 607486. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.