US: Flooding ongoing across Mendenhall Lake and River, Alaska, as of the evening of Aug. 6

Flooding is ongoing across Mendenhall Lake and River, Alaska, as of the evening of Aug. 6 due to a glacial lake outburst earlier the same day. Water levels on Mendenhall River peaked early Aug. 6, and authorities declared a state of emergency the afternoon of Aug. 6 due to the flooding. Juneau residents living along the Mendenhall River have reported flooding in their homes; authorities estimate that more than 100 homes are damaged. Authorities have issued voluntary evacuation orders for at-risk and impacted residents. More than 30 people were sheltering in the emergency shelter at Floyd Dryden Middle School as of early Aug. 6. Numerous roads in the region are closed. Alaska Electric Light and Power Company cut off power to several areas as a precaution, though it has since restored power to some areas.

The NWS has issued a flood warning for the Mendenhall Lake and River near the Glacier Visitor Center, Mendenhall Campground, Skaters Cabin Road, View Drive, and areas below the Back Loop Bridge through the evening of Aug. 6.

Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where flooding impacts utility networks.

The flooding may contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Floodwaters and debris flows may 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.

Flooding could trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region as well as block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.