Yakutat bracing for 2-4 inches of rain, gale-force winds this weekend

A low pressure system will bring heavy rain and deteriorating marine conditions to Yakutat over the weekend. Forecasters predict 2 to 4 inches of rain over 24 hours.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Wednesday for the City and Borough of Yakutat. The weather event is expected to last between 24 and 48 hours. There is an 80% probability of rainfall exceeding 2 inches within 24 hours and a 60% probability of exceeding 3 inches over 48 hours. There is a 30% chance that total rainfall will reach or exceed 4 inches.

The National Weather Service does not anticipate flooding despite the heavy rainfall. Current soil moisture levels are between 50% and 60%. Most of the rain will be absorbed into the ground. River levels are likely to rise, but the low soil moisture should prevent flooding.

Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate starting Friday night. Seas could build to 10 to 15 feet. Gale-force easterly winds are possible along the northern Gulf coastal waters over the weekend.

The National Weather Service Juneau office posted a June 10 update indicating drier weather later in the week and around 2 inches of rain near Yakutat, providing immediate forecast context for the weekend weather setup.