The first large storm of the season is expected to hit Southcentral Alaska later today, peaking overnight and early Wednesday.
Forecasters say that parts of Southcentral Alaska could see hurricane-force wind gusts of up to 100 mph and heavy rain starting tonight.
Dave Snider, a meteorologist with National Weather Service Alaska, says people should avoid travel during the storm.
“Probably a good rule of thumb for most people anywhere in South Central Alaska would be to get there and stay there. It’s just going to be pretty tough to move around,” said Snider.
High Wind warnings are in effect for the eastern Kenai Peninsula and the Anchorage area while storm warnings have been issued for Kachemak Bay and surrounding areas.
Sustained winds of 50 miles per hour are expected around Homer and along the Sterling Highway corridor with possible stronger isolated gusts.
“You’re going to experience horizontal rainfall at some point in the day, that’s how windy it will be,” said Snider.
Those flying or on the water are going to experience very rough conditions, says Snider.
“Gale warnings are up for Cook Inlet, south of Kalgin Island and we have storm warnings out over the Barrens. Gusts around Homer and the Sterling Highway corridor may reach upwards of about 50 miles per hour. But we do expect there are going to be some isolated gust that will be considerably stronger and we are thinking right now that those winds coming in from the south and east will create a pretty substantial low-level wind shear and turbulence for aviators moving around and again being out on the water is going to be pretty rough,” said Snider.
Snider says this is the kind of storm that could blow things away if they are not secured.
“You might want to bring the trash barrels a little bit closer to the house. If you still have the patio umbrella up, you might want to consider taking that down fairly quickly because things like that will become airborne fairly easily with stronger southeasterly gusts,” said Snider.
He adds that it is also time to secure airplanes and boats and to take other precautions.
“Folks that normally tie up their airplanes and tie up their boats in big weather system this may be the day to do it. And in some cases it would not be surprising to see potential tree damage in some areas with some of those stronger gusts. If those are concerns for folks in preparation, then first thing Tuesday during the day before it really picks up in the afternoon and evening would be a wise time to take a break and go take care of those things.” said Snider.
In addition to the high winds, flood watches are in effect from Seward north to Whittier, from Tuesday night into Thursday, with 5 to 7 inches of rainfall projected in a 12 to 18 hour period.
Forecasters have said that this storm appears to be stronger than the one that moved through Southcentral Alaska earlier this month, which took down trees and knocked out power for thousands of customers from Willow to Homer.
