Special Weather Statement

Strong southeast winds will start to increase as early as tonight as a front lifts north across the Gulf of Alaska. Timing of peak winds will be late Friday morning through Friday night, then gradually tapering Saturday. Winds through Turnagain Arm will bend away from west Anchorage early Friday, but could bend into Anchorage later Friday night into Saturday morning. Periods of rain will accompany the strong winds for Turnagain Arm and the Anchorage and Eagle River Hillsides, but Anchorage Bowl and the MatSu should remain mostly dry until Saturday afternoon.

Anchorage Hillside and Turnagain Arm (including South Anchorage): Winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 40 to 55 mph.

Anchorage Bowl, Knik River Valley through Butte and Palmer: Winds 10 to 25 mph with gusts 25 to 35 mph. Brief, isolated gusts to 40 mph is possible the Butte and Palmer area Friday afternoon.

Please use caution if driving or towing a high profile vehicle, or if planning any outdoor activities with easily lofted objects.