Storm causing havoc across much of Alaska

Gusts approaching or exceeding 100 mph were reported in the Aleutians starting late Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Several buildings in False Pass, near the western tip of the Alaska Peninsula, had roofs blown off or damaged on Wednesday, with winds there measured between 100 and 110 mph, the weather service reports.

Gusts of 90 mph were recorded in King Cove, according to the weather service.

Among the other trouble spots today:

• A high wind warning is in effect for the Anchorage Hillside and Turnagain Arm until 4 p.m., with winds up to 75 mph possible. It's been windy across much of the rest of the city as well, especially South Anchorage and the west side. A gust of 38 mph was recorded at the international airport.

• Heavy snow is forecast for the Susitna Valley north of Anchorage, with between 10 inches and 20 inches forecast. A winter storm warning is in effect for the area, including around Talkeetna. Heavy snow had begun falling by late morning, the weather service said.

• A high wind warning is in effect for Portage Valley, with gusts to 75 mph. Heavy snow was being reported in Girdwood early this morning.

• The entire western Alaska coast, from Kotzebue to Bristol Bay, is under a winter storm warning.

In a special statement this morning, the weather service described "a dynamic and dangerous storm" that has moved into the Central Bering Sea. A low-pressure system built up Wednesday south of the Aleutian chain and worked its way into the Bering Sea area, said National Weather Service forecaster Dave Stricklan.

“We get a few of these storms every year that have the strength of a low,” Stricklan said.

The system brought moisture and southerly winds from the west coast of Alaska through the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta area and into Southcentral, Stricklan said.

Stricklan said he’d heard reports of a fresh 5 or 6 inches of snow in the Susitna Valley.

All the weather service's current warnings and advisories are here.