An “unseasonably strong storm” is set to hit the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island and beyond this weekend, according to a special weather statement released by the National Weather Service on Friday.

The release warns of gusty winds and heavy rain around the region, a result of a strong area of low pressure moving through the Gulf of Alaska. The worst of it will likely be Saturday, as the front is expected to weaken toward Sunday night.

The storm is expected to impact Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, Cooper Landing, Seward, Moose Pass, Girdwood, Whittier and Kodiak, the statement says.

Saturday is set to be busy around the central peninsula, with a variety of events scheduled, including the Kenai River Festival, the Kenai Animal Shelter Animal Fair, the Kenai Peninsula Air Fair, Lemonade Day, the Soldotna Saturday Farmer’s Market, a rodeo at the Soldotna rodeo grounds, and the Train Stop Market.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.