High winds on the way today


Monday, January 08 2007
Unalaska, AK – Unalaska's honeymoon with winter appears to be over. After weeks of snow and occasional sunshine, the rain and wind returned Monday night and are closing down some services in town.
The wind was measured at speeds up to 45 mph at the airport this morning. The National Weather Service is expecting it to blow from the South at 50 to 60 mph later today, gusting as high as 80 mph. Forecasters have also issued a high winds warning for Unalaska extending to 5 a.m. Wednesday.
The Unalaska Department of Public Safety has issued a travel advisory, urging drivers to avoid gravel roads and Captain's Bay Road in particular, and to expect icy conditions throughout town.
Schools will be closed this afternoon. Buses will pick up students at 12:30 p.m. at Eagle's View Elementary and at 12:50 p.m. at the Unalaska City School. Parents can pick their kids up as well.
The National Weather Service is forecasting seas at 28 feet in waters around the Eastern Aleutians today. So far, the Coast Guard's Dutch Harbor marine safety detachment says that no incidents have been reported at sea.