High Wind Watch warns of 70 mph gusts at Delta Junction Sunday through Tuesday

Wind gusts up to 70 mph could bring down trees and power lines in three areas of Interior Alaska: Delta Junction, the Northern Denali Borough and the Eastern Alaska Range north of Trims Camp, including Windy Pass.

NWS Fairbanks issued a high wind watch at 1:19 a.m. Friday for those areas. Forecasters expect south winds of 30 to 40 mph from Sunday evening through late Tuesday night. "Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible," the watch said. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

"There is still some uncertainty regarding the

timing and strength of the strongest winds," the watch said. Winds may be slightly weaker closer to Delta Junction. The National Weather Service advised residents to monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.

A July 12 high wind watch also forecast gusts up to 70 mph for the same Eastern Alaska Range zone, matching this week's watch in area and intensity. Delta Junction has also had wind advisories on July 14, 17 and 21, each with gusts of 55 to 60 mph. Gusts reached 58 mph on July 21, with quarter-mile visibility in blowing dust.

The watch is in effect until 4 a.m. Aug. 5.