239
WWAK81 PAFC 172356
SPSAER

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
National Weather Service ANCHORAGE AK
356 PM AKDT Thu Oct 17 2024

AKZ132-181600-
Northeast Prince William Sound-
Including the cities of Valdez and Thompson Pass
356 PM AKDT Thu Oct 17 2024

...STRONG WINDS FOR THOMPSON PASS AND VALDEZ...

A cold airmass and strong upper level disturbance will bring a
sustained period of strong winds to the Valdez area and Thompson
Pass through Saturday. Winds will continue to increase, reaching
peak intensity in town on Friday. Wind gusts at sea level are
expected to be between 45 and 65 mph and will vary between the
east and north east depending on which terrain channel becomes the
dominant one at any given time. Through Thompson Pass winds will
likely be on the higher end of the above range, and may scour the
snow at times reducing visibility through the Pass. Stay tuned for
updates.

$$

AKZ112-181600-
Matanuska Valley-
Including the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton, and Chickaloon
356 PM AKDT Thu Oct 17 2024

...STRONG MATANUSKA WINDS THROUGH SATURDAY...

A cold airmass and strong upper level disturbance will bring
strong winds out of the Matanuska Valley starting Thursday and
continuing into the weekend. Winds are expected to be the
strongest on Friday when an upper level feature moves through.
Expected gusts range between 40 and 55 mph. Given the recent dry
conditions, dust is likely to blow off of the river bed and into
areas around Palmer. Stay tuned for updates.

$$