Storm pounds Aleutians, western Alaska

A huge Bering Sea storm is hitting western Alaska, packing hurricane-force winds and creating possible coastal flooding concerns for some southwestern communities. “It’s mainly a wind storm,” said meteorologist Bill Ludwig. “It’s just because the winds are so strong that the seas are getting pretty high.” The National Weather Service said 28-foot waves were recorded in the southwest Bering Sea Tuesday morning and that the Coast Guard reported at least two vessels seeking safe harbor from the storm. Two vessels took shelter in the Aleutians: One vessel on its way from Oregon to Japan and another destined for Russia from British Columbia, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Sean Eggert. Hurricane-force wind warnings were posted for the waters around the western Aleutian Islands and western Bering Sea. Ludwig said winds hit 86 mph in Adak as the front moved through that area Tuesday. Gusts of 75 mph were reported at Shemya the night before, he said. Those kinds of high winds will continue into Wednesday morning in the western and central Aleutians, he said. The strong winds, accompanied by high surf , will also impact St. Lawrence Island and the Bering Strait early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Ludwig said Bristol Bay and Kuskokwim Delta can expect high water levels Wednesday and Thursday afternoon with water rising between one and three feet above predicted high tides. Reporting by the Associated Press and Daily News reporter Tegan Hanlon. Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2013/11/05/3160002/western-alaska-to-feel-effects.html#storylink=cpy