Two storm systems are sweeping toward Alaska, putting coastal communities on alert as forecasters warn of strong winds, heavy rain and increasingly dangerous marine conditions through early next week.
Alaska's News Source reported that the first system is already affecting the Aleutian Islands, while another low pressure system is moving into the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska. Conditions are expected to intensify through Sunday.
The National Weather Service has issued wind and gale alerts across parts of the state.
In the Aleutians, forecasts show gusts potentially reaching around 55 mph, with seas building as the storm moves east. Near Unalaska, winds could gust to about 45 mph on Sunday.
Heavy rain hits the coast
Southeast Alaska is also preparing for a wet stretch.
The National Weather Service says a developing low moving into the Gulf will bring gale to strong gale force winds across coastal waters. Seas could reach around 15 feet, with waves approaching 20 feet in some exposed areas between the Fairweather Grounds and Cape St. Elias.
Some locations could see periods of heavy rain through Sunday before unsettled weather continues into the new week.
For residents and travelers, the biggest immediate concerns are strong winds, rough marine conditions and difficult travel in exposed coastal areas.
The National Weather Service is urging mariners to pay close attention to local warnings because conditions can vary significantly across Alaska's vast coastline.
