High Wind — Dixon Entrance To Cape Decision Coastal Area, Alaska

2017-12-31 · Dixon Entrance To Cape Decision Coastal Area, Alaska

Event narrative

A spotter at Craig measured a peak wind of 81 MPH with numerous gusts in the 60s on the night of 12/31. No damage was reported.

Wider weather episode

The arctic front moved north overrunning a dense and very cold arctic airmass in place over SE AK characterized by surface temperatures in the teens and single digits. A low pressure system formed offshore along the front that enhanced the overrunning and snow across the northern panhandle while warm air advection may change the precip to rain over the southern panhandle.

Snow started up late Sun evening 12/31 and continued through early Monday morning on 1/1/18. Warming aloft changed snow to rain/freezing rain in the inner channels with ice accumulation on still cold roads and sidewalks from Juneau to Gustavus Monday 1/1 afternoon then further warming changed it to rain. Skagway and Haines stayed snow until Mon evening then strong southerly flow kicked in isolating the snow to the Haines Road and the Klondike highway for the rest of the night.

No significant damage was reported and the impact was snow removal.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 727401. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.