498
NOAK41 PAFC 060027
PNSAFC
AKZ701>704-711>714-721>729-731-732-735-741>757-761>766-771>773-781-785-787-
791-795-061227-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
427 PM AKDT Sun Jul 5 2026

NWS Anchorage received a report of a funnel cloud spotted south of the
Alpine Creek Lodge along the Denali Hwy on July 4, 2026 at about 5pm;
the report was received at about 5:49pm. The funnel was visible for
about 15 mins by onlookers, extending from the base of a towering
cumulus. Referencing videos and photos, there are no visible signs
that the funnel was in contact with the ground. Radar shows that the
parent cloud reached about 30kft and produced a single cloud-to-ground
lightning strike at 5:14pm. Based on area observations and local
topography, this funnel was likely generated by Susitna Valley winds
flowing against storm motion winds, creating enough wind shear to
generate a funnel cloud. If more information is provided that confirms
contact with the ground, this event could be reclassified.

$$

PP/AB