High Wind in Alaska, November 4 to 5, 2001

A front, elongating east through the Aleutians, was preceded by strong southeasterly winds initially across the western Aleutians. The parent low, an intense 960 mb storm, also produced strong westerly winds along its south and southwest side. The storm moved to 180 miles north northwest of Attu initially late Sunday and early Monday, weakening rapidly just northeast of Adak Tuesday. A call to Attu (907-393-3315) to the commanding officer at the isolated USCG Loran station provided information on the strong westerly wind event. In addition to the peak wind in excess of 100 mph, winds were reportedly blowing from 69 - 104 mph for around 18 hours (late Sunday through Monday). There are 20 people assigned to the station. Tours are for 1 year, with an optional break after 180 days. Winds are measured by a Davis Weather Wizard III.Winds at Shemya reached warning levels prior to frontal passage from the southeast, then again on the back side of the storm with the southwesterlies.At Adak, pre-frontal winds gusted to just below 60 mph, however back side low westerly winds exceeded warning levels.Peak winds were:136 mph around 0030 AST Mon83 mph at Shemya between 0600 - 0800 AST Mon75 mph at Adak between 1030 and 1100 AST TueAt Attu - Minor roof damage. Several 50 gallon fuel drums blown around.