Ketchikan, Alaska – A powerful coastal wind event is expected to sweep through southern Prince of Wales Island and the southern Inner Channels Tuesday night, bringing damaging gusts and potential power outages across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Juneau, a High Wind Warning remains in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday, with southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching 65 mph. The most severe conditions are likely along the southwest side of Prince of Wales Island—including Hydaburg, Craig, Klawock, and Thorne Bay—and at higher elevations where gusts could top 70 mph.
Forecasters warn that unsecured boats, outdoor equipment, and loose debris could become airborne. Travel may be difficult, especially on exposed coastal highways and ferry approaches. Utility interruptions are possible, and residents are urged to charge devices, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary trips after sunset.
According to local emergency managers, mariners should expect rapidly building seas and hazardous crosswinds through early Wednesday. The weather service advises reporting any wind-related damage to the NWS Juneau Storm Report site.
Winds are forecast to ease before daybreak Wednesday, followed by calmer but wet conditions midweek as another Pacific front approaches.
