High Wind — Western Aleutians, Alaska

2018-12-28 to 2018-12-29 · Western Aleutians, Alaska

Event narrative

Shemya Air Station reported frequent gusts to 75mph. Satellite data indicated winds offshore were up to 60 knots over the water.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system moving southeastward off the Kamchatka Peninsula rapidly intensified over the Bering Sea, reaching a central pressure of 944 mb by the time it crossed the Aleutian Islands. This system had a second, equally strong, low center that developed in its wake, continuing stormy conditions across the Aleutians as the first low moved onshore. The two low pressure systems brought widespread blizzards and high winds to the Aleutians, the Southwest Mainland, and Southcentral Alaska.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 794599. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.