ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A strong low is forming in the Gulf of Alaska this morning, with several areas of the Aleutian, Southcentral and Southeast regions experiencing strong winds. Numerous weather advisories are in effect across the state as the impacts of this storm will be felt as far north as the Slope.

SOUTH CENTRAL:

Strong winds and heavy rain hit Kodiak Island this morning, where gusts are already reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. While less than an inch of rain has fallen in Kodiak, heavy rain will continue into the early evening hours. Kodiak could see 1 to 2 inches of rain. Kodiak Island could still experience hurricane-force wind gusts, with a drastic decrease in winds expected in the evening hours. This happens when a frontal system moves north into the Gulf of Alaska.

While most inland areas of Southcentral will remain drier today, Prince William Sound and southern Kenai will experience heavy rainfall. This system, which is likely to stall for several hours before moving inland, could bring several inches of rain to coastal areas. In addition to rain, gusty winds are also to be expected. In southern Cook Inlet and the Kenai coastal regions, winds could increase to 30 to 60 mph and above throughout the day. While inland areas remain dry today, winds will increase. Wind gusts of 20 to 50 miles per hour will occur during the afternoon and evening hours. Anchorage will be at the lower end of these wind speeds, while southern portions of Mat-Su could reach 30 to 50 mph. Expect this activity to stay with us overnight until Saturday. The stalled front will eventually extend inland through Saturday, with rain spreading northward. While significantly less rain is expected for inland locations, we can still expect rainfall ranging from a quarter to nearly an inch. The higher totals will fall across the western Kenai.

We will see activity taper off as the day progresses on Sunday, with only isolated to intermittent activity near shore.

While this event will bring rain and wind across most of Southcentral, areas of the Copper River Basin above 2,800 feet could see some snow accumulation. A Note on winter weather was issued for areas west of Nelchina from 7 p.m. and lasts until Saturday afternoon. Snow totals will range from 4 to 10 inches, with the highest totals falling west of Eureka Roadhouse.

SOUTHEAST:

There will be calm across the Southeast today and most of Friday will remain drier. Heavy rain will arrive from the Gulf of Alaska in the evening hours. This rain will be heaviest on Saturday night, with a Strong wind warning comes into effect starting overnight and lasting until Saturday afternoon. While winds won't be as strong as other parts of the state, we can still expect gusts of more than 60 miles per hour. Rain will fall a few inches across the panhandle, with many areas receiving 1 to 3 or more inches of rain. Higher amounts are expected for the central and southern panhandle. Although flooding is not expected, the ground is saturated and rising water levels are expected in the region's waterways.

INNER:

Today will be cool with some sunshine inland, and the low in the Gulf of Alaska is expected to push a strong shortwave north into the interior. This will lead to snow in areas through the weekend, with some accumulation expected. Although the wind doesn't appear to be a major issue, we could see some gusty winds early in the weekend. Over the weekend, the weather pattern will calm down in large parts of the country, meaning that only irregular activity can be expected until next week.

A Winter storm warning applies to the Dalton Highway Summits from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning. Travel could be difficult as this will be the first heavy snowfall for parts of the interior. Total snow accumulations in the warning will see 4 to 8 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SLOPE/WEST ALASKA:

Areas of fog remain along the coastal regions of the slope, with highs warming up to 40°C today. While the wind doesn't appear to be a cause for concern today, we could see the wind increase through the weekend. This comes as a disturbance rises north from the interior, with snow and wind expected through the weekend.

A Winter storm warning applies to the central and eastern coast of the Beaufort Sea, the central Arctic Plains and the Central Brooks Range. The warning goes into effect at 4 p.m. Saturday, with 6 to 16 inches of snow expected. The highest totals will be along the Dalton Highway near and north of Atigun Pass and in the coastal area from Deadhorse to Kaktovik.

A windy day awaits you in the west. North winds will continue to blow above 50 mph, with the strongest gusts near Gambell/St. Lawrence. Despite the wind, some breaks in sunshine are expected today, with maximum temperatures remaining just a few degrees above freezing. With persistent gusty winds, expect winds to remain above 20°C for most of the day. Southwest Alaska could also experience gusty winds, while areas near Bethel and Dillingham could see gusts in excess of 60 mph. While we remain dry across most of the region, some rain is expected for areas of the southwest.

Please note that a storm warning is in effect for the Seward Peninsula, Shishmaref and the Bering Strait coast from Saturday afternoon into the evening hours. Northerly winds gusting to 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph are possible.

Aleutian Islands:

The strong low that has formed in the Bering Sea over the past few days is producing strong winds this morning. The warnings along the Aleutian Islands bring us into the weekend, where several locations from the East Aleutian Islands to the Peninsula could experience hurricane-force winds and up to an inch of rain. Heavy rain is expected today, with gusts of wind carrying us into the weekend. A reminder that in strong winds, loose objects can easily be picked up and thrown around.

OUTLOOK:

Things should be quieter and sunnier for Southcentral next week. While some activity is expected along the coast, inland areas will remain largely dry. Next week temperatures will have the biggest impact as we expect highs to fall into the upper 30s by the end of next week. Additionally, portions of the western Aleutian Islands could be dealing with the effects of a decaying tropical system. The main concern is likely to be gusty wind and rain.

I wish you a wonderful and safe weekend!

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