Forecasters expect 25 to 35 mph gusts across Fairbanks area Saturday

Gusty west-southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected across the Fairbanks Metro Area and surrounding Interior valleys through Saturday night, under a National Weather Service special weather statement in effect from 6:25 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The statement covers Tanana Flats, Eielson Air Force Base and Salcha, Goldstream Valley and Nenana Hills, Chatanika River Valley, Two Rivers, Nenana, Upper Chena River Valley, the White Mountains and high terrain south of the Yukon River, and the Central Interior.

"As rainfall moves east out of the Central Interior and Fairbanks North Star Borough, drier air will continue to bring gusty winds," forecasters said. Deeper valleys may see lighter winds early Saturday, with occasional gusts in the same range possible.

It was the second such statement in two days. The first, issued at 9:01 a.m. Friday, warned of the same 25 to 35 mph gusts through Saturday.

The FAA's Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office advises pilots to use aviation-specific briefings. Public wind advisories, the office said, may miss localized turbulence and crosswind hazards.

Alaska News has covered other Interior wind events this summer, including 58 mph gusts and blowing dust near Delta Junction in July.

Winds are expected to weaken Saturday evening and ease further overnight into Sunday.