Rainfall covers a windshield on Kalifornsky Beach Road in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, June 9, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Rainfall covers a windshield on Kalifornsky Beach Road in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, June 9, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Unseasonably strong storm’ forecast for this weekend

Saturday is set to be busy around the central peninsula, with a variety of events scheduled

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.

More in News

Commercial fishing and recreational vessels are docked in the Homer harbor on Oct. 23, 2025. The commercial fishing industry endured a series of challenges over the year, some of them imposed by the new Trump administration. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska fisheries in 2025: turmoil, economic and environmental challenges and some bright spots

NOAA cuts, economic headwinds and invasive species pose problems, but there was some recovery in crab stocks and salmon harvests.

Cook Inlet near Clam Gulch is seen on Oct. 23, 2025. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Disputed oil lease sale in Alaska’s Cook Inlet upheld in new Trump administration decision

After completing a court-ordered environmental study, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said no changes are needed for the 2022 sale that drew just one bid.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District logo.
School district projects $7.5 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2027

Decreased enrollment and increased property values mean less local and state funding.

The sign in front of the Homer Electric Association building in Kenai, Alaska as seen on April 1, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Homer Electric Association announces rate increase

The proposed increase, if approved by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, will go into effect Jan. 1.

A photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
Calderwood pretrial hearing rescheduled

The omnibus hearing for Kirby Calderwood was continued to Jan. 21. Trial week is currently scheduled for Feb. 17, barring finalization of a plea agreement.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Joseph Miller Jr. and Jason Woodruff, Alaska State Troopers charged with felony first-degree assault, appear with their lawyers, Clinton Campion and Matthew Widmer, for an arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.
2 Soldotna troopers indicted on federal civil rights violations

Joseph Miller and Jason Woodruff were charged with federal criminal civil rights violations on Dec. 16.

Kevin Ray Hunter is actively sought by Alaska State Troopers on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Photo courtesy of Alaska State Troopers
Update: Troopers arrest Kenai man accused of sexual abuse of a minor

A judge issued an arrest warrant for Kevin Ray Hunter, who was indicted on Wednesday for allegedly abusing multiple juveniles.

Staff at Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc. are pictured on Dec. 17, 2025 in Soldotna, Alaska, in front of a new 15-passenger van purchased with funds the Rasmuson Foundation and several local businesses donated to the nonprofit organization. Photo courtesy of Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc.
New van will expand Soldotna senior center’s service capacity

Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc., recently purchased a 15-passenger van using funds donated by the Rasmuson Foundation and several local businesses.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks at a town hall meeting in the Moose Pass Sportsman’s Club in Moose Pass, Alaska, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Bjorkman, Ruffridge and Elam host town hall

The lawmakers wanted to hear from constituents before the legislative session begins.

Most Read