Wind advisories warn of 65 mph gusts across Interior Alaska this weekend

Three wind advisories from the National Weather Service Fairbanks office cover Delta Junction, the Northern Denali Borough, and the Eastern Alaska Range north of Trims Camp, with gusts up to 65 mph forecast through noon Monday, July 20.

What the Advisories Cover

Northern Denali Borough faces the strongest and latest-starting winds: southeast winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph beginning 10 p.m. Saturday. The Eastern Alaska Range north of Trims Camp sees south winds 35 to 45 mph with the same 65 mph gust ceiling, beginning earlier at 7 p.m. Saturday. Delta Junction can expect south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, also starting 7 p.m. Saturday. All three advisories run through noon Monday.

All three warn of downed tree limbs, unsecured objects blown around, and possible power outages. NWS Fairbanks states that "Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result." The agency specifically cautions drivers of high-profile vehicles: "Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution."

Flood Advisory Also Active

The same source package includes a flood advisory for the Western Susitna Valley, issued by NWS Anchorage and in effect through noon Friday. The advisory covers the Yentna River near Lake Creek, where heavy rainfall pushed the river stage to 21.2 feet, above the 20.5-foot flood stage. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is expected, with water potentially entering cabins along the Yentna River near Lake Creek. The river was cresting Wednesday evening and is forecast to recede slowly through Friday. Residents are advised to monitor local radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for updates.