Wind advisory covers Sitka, Prince of Wales and Annette Island until 10 am Sunday

The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a wind advisory in effect until 10 am Sunday for Sitka, Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, and western Kupreanof and Kuiu islands. Communities covered include Kake, Port Alexander, Craig, Klawock, Thorne Bay, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove and Metlakatla. Forecasters expect southeast winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts near 45 mph.

The advisory warned the gusts could down tree limbs and cause a few power outages. Unsecured objects could blow around, and forecasters said winds this strong can make travel difficult. They asked people to use extra caution and secure outdoor items. A strong front crossing the region Saturday night is driving the wind, the advisory said.

The same system is bringing moderate to heavy rain to the panhandle. A special weather statement issued Saturday called for 1.5 to 3 inches of rain, with the greatest amounts in the central panhandle. Higher elevations could see upwards of 5 inches. Rain rates could exceed 0.15 inches per hour at their peak, overnight Saturday into Sunday.

Smaller creeks and streams could rise quickly, the weather service said. Forecasters do not expect flooding, because the heaviest rain falls over a short period.

Gusty winds reach past the advisory zone. The Saturday statement said inland communities such as Wrangell, Ketchikan, Hoonah, Gustavus, Petersburg and Juneau could see gusts of 25 to 30 mph.

The Juneau office's forecast discussion said unsettled weather should continue into early next week, with multiple fronts expected to bring occasional breezy winds and heavier showers.