High Wind — Southern Inner Channels, Alaska

2018-12-10 to 2018-12-11 · Southern Inner Channels, Alaska

Event narrative

The wind hit the Ketchikan Area as early as 1530 on 12/10 with Salmon landing observing gusts to 74 mph at that time. Gusts from 55 to 72 mph were measured after that. No damage was reported in the Ketchikan Area.

Wider weather episode

A powerful storm force low developed and moved into the eastern Gulf on the afternoon and evening of 12/10. The low center just south of Yakutat had dropped to 967 MB and deepened to 960 MB making landfall near Cape St. Elias later that evening. The associated front caused high winds for Prince of Wales Island and the Ketchikan areas. The highest wind gusts were measured at Salmon Landing near Ward Cove at 74 mph. Tree blowdowns were reported blocking roads, but no damage was reported to homes or infrastructure.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 789520. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.