Wind advisory: gusts to 65 mph on Anchorage and Eagle River Hillsides through Thursday noon

The National Weather Service in Anchorage issued a wind advisory Tuesday for the Anchorage and Eagle River Hillsides, warning of gusts between 50 and 65 mph in two separate rounds through noon Thursday, July 23. The advisory took effect at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The advisory covers a densely populated residential area where saturated soils and high winds together raise the risk of downed trees, particularly those already diseased or damaged. Power outages are also possible, NWS Anchorage said.

Two Rounds of Wind

The first round of strong winds arrives Tuesday afternoon through evening. A lull follows late Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon. The second and heavier round begins Wednesday night and runs through Thursday morning, with the most intense rain expected late Wednesday night into early Thursday.

NWS Anchorage said rain will accompany both rounds. "The combination of saturated soils and wind could also lead to downed trees, especially already damaged or diseased trees," the agency said. It added: "Rain intensity looks particularly heavy late Wednesday night through early Thursday morning, which could lead to downed trees due to saturated soils."

The hillside zones will see the strongest gusts, between 50 and 65 mph. Lower elevations of Anchorage and Eagle River are under a separate advisory covering gusts of 30 to 45 mph, with peak intensity expected between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Thursday. NWS Anchorage noted: "Strongest winds in south to west Anchorage (along Turnagain Arm)."

What to Do

Residents should secure outdoor objects before Tuesday afternoon. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution through the advisory period. The wind advisory for the Anchorage and Eagle River Hillsides remains in effect until noon AKDT Thursday.