Mary Wilson
Well-known member
One of the strongest storms to ever hit the state of Alaska is unleashing a massive storm surge on the western coast of the state, causing structural damage to several communities.
Published Sep. 16, 2022 11:13 AM CDT
Updated Sep. 17, 2022 1:54 PM CDT
By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Typhoon Merbok, which formed over the northwestern Pacific during the second week of September, has transitioned to a powerful wind and rainstorm over the Bering Sea, causing immense flooding in areas of western Alaska. AccuWeather meteorologists say the massive storm will continue to hit this area with the force of a hurricane through Saturday.
In the western town of Golovin, a surge of water from the Bering Sea reportedly covered half of an old airport runway late Friday. Images shared by the NWS office in Fairbanks showed the community completely under water, with water expected to continue to rise 1-2 feet by Saturday afternoon, local time.
Power outages became rampant in Golovin Saturday morning, with reports of significant flooding and damage in the town potentially including old fuel tanks. Local structures such as a church and a trading post have been impacted by the flooding thus far.
Multiple airports have also come under heavy strife from the high water and flooding, such as Kotlik Airport and Nome Airport, both residing on the western coast of the state. As of Saturday afternoon, Nome was battling an 8 inch storm surge, flooding vehicles parked outside of the airport. Flights to both Nome and the city of Kotzbue were cancelled Saturday from Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport due to the conditions.
... As a result of the chaos, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster for communities impacted by the storms. The governor stated that no reports of injuries have been received as of Saturday afternoon.
The storm is packing a tremendous punch in terms of wind and precipitation, and has a history of producing wave heights above 35 feet and wind gusts past 74 mph.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weat...ity-as-state-slammed-with-storm-surge/1247950
Published Sep. 16, 2022 11:13 AM CDT
Updated Sep. 17, 2022 1:54 PM CDT
By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Typhoon Merbok, which formed over the northwestern Pacific during the second week of September, has transitioned to a powerful wind and rainstorm over the Bering Sea, causing immense flooding in areas of western Alaska. AccuWeather meteorologists say the massive storm will continue to hit this area with the force of a hurricane through Saturday.
In the western town of Golovin, a surge of water from the Bering Sea reportedly covered half of an old airport runway late Friday. Images shared by the NWS office in Fairbanks showed the community completely under water, with water expected to continue to rise 1-2 feet by Saturday afternoon, local time.
Power outages became rampant in Golovin Saturday morning, with reports of significant flooding and damage in the town potentially including old fuel tanks. Local structures such as a church and a trading post have been impacted by the flooding thus far.
Multiple airports have also come under heavy strife from the high water and flooding, such as Kotlik Airport and Nome Airport, both residing on the western coast of the state. As of Saturday afternoon, Nome was battling an 8 inch storm surge, flooding vehicles parked outside of the airport. Flights to both Nome and the city of Kotzbue were cancelled Saturday from Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport due to the conditions.
... As a result of the chaos, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster for communities impacted by the storms. The governor stated that no reports of injuries have been received as of Saturday afternoon.
The storm is packing a tremendous punch in terms of wind and precipitation, and has a history of producing wave heights above 35 feet and wind gusts past 74 mph.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weat...ity-as-state-slammed-with-storm-surge/1247950