NWS Juneau narrows wind advisory to Ketchikan, Annette Island, Prince of Wales

NWS Juneau pulled back its Wind Advisory Monday afternoon, dropping Sitka, Wrangell, and Western Kupreanof and Kuiu Island from coverage. The advisory remained in effect through 7 p.m. for Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Annette Island, and Prince of Wales Island.

The advisory had been in effect since 10 a.m., with southeast winds forecast at 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph across the affected areas. NWS Juneau warned that winds of that strength make travel by boat or aircraft more difficult and advised motorists to avoid flooded roads. The agency also cautioned that gusty winds could bring down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.

Rainfall Forecast

An earlier NWS Juneau special weather statement forecast heavy rain for the southern panhandle. Ketchikan and Annette Island were forecast to receive 2.5 to 3.5 inches over 24 hours, with the heaviest rain expected Monday afternoon as a second front pushed through. Prince of Wales Island was forecast to see 1 to 2 inches. NWS Juneau noted that "Rain rates up to 0.15 inch per hour are possible as this heavier band moves through."

Commercial fishers and small boat operators working the Clarence Strait and the eastern side of Prince of Wales Island faced the worst of the conditions. NWS Juneau noted in its earlier special weather statement that stronger winds were concentrated along the Clarence Strait and the eastern portion of the island.

Mariners and aircraft operators in the remaining three areas can check updated conditions at weather.gov/ajk.