Gusts reached nearly 70 miles per hour Wednesday as the Taku winds whipped down the channel.
A high wind warning was in effect for downtown Juneau and Douglas Island through 6 p.m. Wednesday. National Weather Service General Forecaster Wes Adkins said Wednesday afternoon that the strongest gust was 68 miles per hour, and was measured at the Marine Exchange Building near the Douglas Bridge.
The NWS warning, which ran from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, also stated that loose objects would blow around and travel would become difficult or even hazardous. By and large, Juneau residents escaped any major problems. Adkins said the only damage that they’d heard about was a chimney cap getting blown off in the West Juneau neighborhood.
The winds began gusting at around 5 a.m., Adkins said, as gusts around 60 miles per hour were measured at the AJ Dock. By the time he spoke to the Empire at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Adkins said the strongest gusts were likely done.
“The wind’s kind of relaxing this evening,” Adkins said.
Many Southeast Alaska residents have withstood the strong winds before, but the City and Borough of Juneau and the NWS both offered advice for those in the area. CBJ Docks and Harbors personnel advised boat owners to make sure their mooring lines are secure, their pumps are functioning and their boats are not collecting water.
Forecasters expected snow showers to begin Wednesday evening. Adkins said one or two inches of snow were expected to accumulate, but there was a chance that it could be more. He also advised that people should enjoy the snow while it’s here.
“The new year is looking warmer and wetter,” Adkins said.
• Contact reporter Alex McCarthy at 523-2271 or amccarthy@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @akmccarthy.
Amber Brewer, left, and Deborah Rakos cross-country ski along the set track on Montana Creek Road on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
