Wind advisory: 50 mph gusts and 12-foot Cook Inlet waves threaten Kenai dipnetters Thursday

Cook Inlet beaches from the Kenai River to Nikiski face hazardous conditions during prime fishing hours Thursday, with gusts up to 50 mph and waves of 8 to 12 feet arriving exactly when resident dipnetters typically work the beach, the National Weather Service Anchorage Forecast Office warned Wednesday.

The advisory runs from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. AKDT Thursday. NWS Anchorage said the strongest winds will arrive between 7 a.m. and noon. "Dipnetting and other recreational activities along Cook Inlet beaches will be impacted by high winds and rough seas, with 8 to 12 foot waves coming off of Cook Inlet," the advisory states.

The timing overlaps with part of the open fishing window. The Kenai River personal use dipnet season runs from July 10 to July 31, with daily fishing limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. under Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations.

NWS Anchorage warned that gusty winds may cause a few power outages and blow around unsecured objects. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items. Motorists face difficult driving conditions, especially those towing boats or trailers to beach access points. "Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the advisory says.

The advisory expires at 4 p.m. Thursday. Dipnetters planning to fish later in the day should check updated NWS forecasts before heading to the beach.