US: Evacuation orders in place following landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, as of late Aug. 25

Evacuation orders remain in place following a landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, as of late Aug. 25. Authorities have confirmed that one person was killed and three others injured. Disaster emergency declarations are in place. The landslide has affected the Third Avenue Bypass, Second Avenue, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue, impacting multiple homes. Evacuation orders are in place for Third Avenue, Second Avenue/Water Street, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue between Austin Street and Nadeau Street. An emergency shelter is located at the Ketchikan High School; Madison Avenue can be used to access the school. Power outages were reported across the affected area; some services have been restored. However, power in the First and Second avenues will likely be restored over the coming days. Authorities have warned of a potential secondary landslide area south of the original landslide location.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further landslides in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where previous downpours have saturated the soil. Heavy showers could also cause flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Authorities could issue further mandatory evacuation orders for landslide-prone communities over the coming days. Where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks, disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.

Road closures may occur within and around areas where mandatory evacuation orders have been issued. Further landslides could block sections of roads and railways in the affected region. Residents' return could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders.

Flooding triggered by heavy rainfall could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.