High wind warning: gusts up to 75 mph on Anchorage and Eagle River hillsides

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning Thursday morning for the Anchorage and Eagle River hillsides, with southeast winds of 30 to 45 mph and gusts of 60 to 75 mph expected from 3 pm Thursday to 11 am Friday.

The warning is for the Hillside forecast zone, which also includes Indian and upper Eagle River, and mainly for areas above 1,000 feet. The strongest gusts will likely hit Bear Valley, Potter Creek and Rabbit Creek, the weather service said.

Winds were expected to pick up early Thursday afternoon, with the strongest winds from about 6 pm Thursday to about 6 am Friday.

The winds may blow around loose debris, damage property and knock out power, and travel will be difficult, the warning says. The weather service urged people to secure loose objects, prepare for power outages and use caution if they must travel.

The warning upgrades a wind advisory issued Wednesday afternoon for the same areas, which called for gusts of 50 to 60 mph. At the high end, the forecast gusts are also stronger than those in an August advisory for the Hillside and Eagle River, which called for gusts up to 65 mph.