WRF and ROMS forecast summary for July 31

7/31/2009 - A fast-moving low pressure system passed through the south central Alaska yesterday evening. This system passage caused a tightening of the pressure gradients in the region of PWS, resulting in winds strengthening to 15-20 knots and becoming more northeasterly. Today and through the weekend the ridge is forecast to build back, and depending on the location of the ridge axis, a tendency towards lighter, more southwesterly winds should be seen. The central Sound eddy, as revealed by HF radar observations, weakened overnight, perhaps in response to the stronger atmospheric wind forcing that developed. ROMS nowcast/forecast surface currents also show a weakening in the eddy circulation in the mean surface currents from the first 24 hours of today's ROMS forecast. Interestingly, the mean from the second 24 hours of the forecast shows a return of the eddy circulation. The tidal range will increase slightly over the next 48 hours. At Valdez, the tidal range will be around 10 feet. High water (5feet) will be at 20AKDT, and low water (-5 feet) at 5AKDT. There were no signficant operational issues today.