Dangerous conditions develop over the Aleutian Islands and the Gulf of Alaska
A storm force low pressure system formed in the Bering Sea on November 8, 2015. The strength of the low brought up the sea surface for almost 9.14 meters (30 feet) as its central pressure was estimated at 958 hPa, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The low was rapidly intensifying over the last couple of days on its course across the Aleutian Islands into the Gulf of Alaska, and very dangerous marine conditions were developing across the Gulf.
dangerous marine conditions expected beneath rapid cyclogenesis: HF winds to 75kt(85mph), seas to 45ft(14m) pic.twitter.com/13VS79289X
— NWS OPC (@NWSOPC) November 10, 2015
Following the rapid cyclogenesis, the low pressure system has produced hurricane force winds reaching about 136.8 km/h (85 mph) locally and up to 14 m (45 feet) high waves by November 11.
WWIII phenomenal significant wave heights (45FT+) as #hurricane force low sweeps across the Aleutians, into GulfAK pic.twitter.com/e4FmCguwW4
— NWS OPC (@NWSOPC) November 10, 2015
High wind warning was issued for Eastern Aleutians by NWS on November 11, 08:00 UTC, as the speed of southwest wind is expected to increase by evening and reach up to 120.7 km/h (75 mph) with gusts up to 160.9 km/h (100 mph). After that, the winds will weaken to about 64.4 km/h (40 mph) and shift to the northwest.
High winds could cause damage to property and local residents have been urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around by wind and possibly induce dangerous situations.
Featured image: Strong low pressure system entering the Gulf of Alaska, November 11, 2015. Image credit: NWS
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