Get ready for a wild ride, Alaska. A high wind warning has been issued as the state prepares for gusts that could hit a staggering 75 miles per hour starting tomorrow and stretching into Saturday. This isn't just a breeze — it's a full-blown weather event that demands attention.
The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm, warning that these powerful winds could bring down trees and power lines, leading to isolated outages. Travel is expected to be treacherous, especially for high-profile vehicles like trucks and RVs. If you're planning to hit the road, you might want to reconsider or at least brace for a bumpy ride.
Where the Wind Will Hit Hardest
The strongest winds are forecast to rip through the Alaska Range passes, with some uncertainty lingering around Delta Junction. Communities in the crosshairs include Delta Junction, Healy, Donnelly Dome, and areas along the Parks Highway from Mile Post 237 to 288. Denali National Park, the Richardson Highway stretch from MP 224 to 259, Kantishna, Deltana, Anderson, Black Rapids, and Fort Greely are also under the warning. If you're in any of these zones, now's the time to secure loose items and prepare for potential power disruptions.
This isn't an isolated event. Other parts of the country are also feeling the heat — or rather, the wind. Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama are bracing for gusts over 60 mph, along with the threat of quarter-sized hail. For a broader look at the stormy landscape, check out our report on 4 States on Alert for Thunderstorms With 60 MPH Winds Wednesday.
How to Stay Safe When the Wind Howls
When high winds blow, safety comes first. Here's what you need to do to ride out the storm:
- Stay Weather Ready: Keep a NOAA Weather Radio or local news handy for updates on watches and warnings.
- At Home: If a severe thunderstorm warning hits, move to your secure location immediately. Bring your pets if time allows. Damaging wind or large hail could be on the way.
- At Work or School: Stay away from windows. Avoid large open spaces like cafeterias or gyms — they're not safe during high winds.
- Outside: Get inside a sturdy building fast. Sheds and storage units won't cut it. And whatever you do, don't take shelter under a tree — it could fall on you or attract lightning.
- In a Vehicle: You're safer inside a car than outside, but if you have time, drive to the nearest solid shelter.
These tips could make all the difference. For more on severe weather threats across the U.S., check out our coverage on Giant Hail and Damaging Winds: 6 States on Alert for Severe Storms Tuesday.
Alaska's wild weather is a reminder that Mother Nature doesn't mess around. Whether you're in the path of the 75 mph gusts or just watching from afar, stay alert and stay safe. And if you're in the Lower 48, keep an eye on the skies — Tornado Alert: 11 States on Deck for Severe Storms Tomorrow shows this stormy pattern is far from over.
