...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM AKST THIS MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...The following areas, Prince of Wales, Southern Inner Channels and Central Inner Channels. This includes the cities of Petersburg, Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Ketchikan, And Metlakatla. * WHEN...From 9 AM AKST this morning through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An atmospheric river moving into the panhandle is set to deliver heavy rain and wind across the southern and central panhandle. Heavy rainfall begins Saturday afternoon, and intensifies through Saturday evening, with the heaviest rainfall rates Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Rainfall totals through Sunday will be between 2-5 inches near sea level, with the higher amounts in the southern panhandle. These are consistent with 24 hour ARIs of 2 - 5 years. Areas at elevation will receive higher rainfall amounts beyond this, as favorable SE wind enhances local orographic forcing. The highest rainfall totals at elevation will likewise be for the southern panhandle. Concurrent with the rain, windy conditions will be present across the southern and central panhandle, with the strongest winds for the southern panhandle. High winds are expected for Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, and Ketchikan, with wind gusts of between 65 to 70 mph near sea level, and higher wind gusts aloft. These winds, similar to the heavy rain, will be strongest Saturday night into early Sunday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Isolated landslides are possible in areas of steep terrain. Stay tuned to further developments by listening to your local radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information. &&
