Gale-force winds, 15-foot seas forecast for Yakutat waters through Sunday afternoon

A low-pressure system brought gale-force easterly winds and seas building to 10 to 15 feet to northern Gulf of Alaska coastal waters Saturday night through Sunday afternoon, according to National Weather Service special weather statements issued for the City and Borough of Yakutat. Gale-force winds range from 34 to 47 knots. The National Weather Service said deteriorating marine conditions posed hazards along the northern Gulf coastal waters over the weekend.

The system brought heavy rain totaling 2 to 4 inches from Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. There was an 80 percent probability that rainfall would exceed 2 inches within 24 hours and a 60 percent probability of more than 3 inches in 48 hours. There was a 20 percent chance that rainfall totals could reach or exceed 4 inches.

No flooding was expected despite the significant rainfall. Soil moisture levels of 50 to 60 percent meant most of the rain would be absorbed into the ground. River levels were likely to rise, but the National Weather Service did not anticipate flooding.