High Wind — Eastern Aleutians, Alaska

2020-08-30 · Eastern Aleutians, Alaska

Event narrative

Dutch Harbor AWOS measured a gust to 84 mph. There was extensive damage around town. Plenty of damage to greenhouse roofs, flying totes, debris, and plywood. 32' North River aluminum boat flipped on its top in its trailer, the COVID testing tent for the IFHS Clinic was flattened, and containers flipped on their sides. One of the big cargo ships (a tramper) in Captains Bay drug anchor and almost grounded near Deadmans Corner on Captains Bay Road.

Wider weather episode

A rapidly developing low pressure system moved northward from the North Pacific, crossing the Aleutian Chain and then moving onshore near Bristol Bay at 965mb. It strengthened most rapidly while bringing a weather front across the Aleutian Chain, which led to anamolously strong winds in the Eastern Aleutians. Afterward, persistent gale to storm force winds in Bristol Bay brought water onshore in the northern Bristol Bay area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 911342. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.