What a Tuesday! Strong winds were widespread over Alaska. Gusts in excess of 45 mph were reported in Kodiak, the Alaska Peninsula, the SE Panhandle, the North Slope, and Southcentral. A viewer in Ninilchik reported an 81 mph gust. Blowing snow and cold wind chills were the lot for many regions.
Today looks to be much calmer, especially into the afternoon. Gusts over PWS and Anchorage/Matsu Valleys have still be above 40 mph at times this morning, but as the Gulf low continues to weaken and drifts southeastward, and as upper level ridging nudges in from the west, winds will quickly die out. The ridge will bring a cold, stagnant air mass to much of the mainland, resulting in lighter winds and colder temperatures. Highs will barely climb above zero for the northern and central Interior. Highs will stay in the 20s inland and 30s PWS coast today.
Meanwhile, showers will still rotate around the weakening Gulf low into the SE Panhandle, but end by evening as dry air settles in. The west coast will see increasing clouds and 20s. One of the more active areas of the state will be the Aleutians and AK Peninsula. Winds ahead of yet another robust low pressure disturbance over the Aleutians will gusts to 80 mph through channeled terrain this afternoon into tonight. Rain will also become heavy at times and widespread.
This is the next storm to bring strong winds and precipitation back to Southcentral, beginning tomorrow.
