16 Sep 2022 | 09:31 AM UTC
US: Severe storm forecast to impact parts of western Alaska through at least Sept. 18
Severe storm forecast to impact parts of western Alaska, US, through at least Sept. 18. Possible coastal flooding and disruptions.
Event
A strong and sustained storm is forecast to impact parts of western Alaska through at least Sept. 18. The severe weather is associated with the remnants of the tropical storm system Merbok which has been tracking across the Pacific Ocean and are approaching the Aleutian Islands as of late Sept. 15. Winds of up to 121 kph (75 mph) are expected which could cause damage to property and down power lines causing outages in affected areas. Coastal flooding and storm surge is also possible, which could inundate coastal communities and disrupt overland travel in western coastal regions. Water levels could reach up to 3-4 meters (11-13 feet) above normal high tide in some coastal areas during the passing of the storm, including Golovin and Nome.
As of early Sept, 16, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued the following weather warnings across Alaska:
High Wind Warnings: Central and western Aleutians; Pribilof Islands; Kuskokwim Delta; Yukon Delta; St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait coast; eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills; Chukchi Sea Coast; Baldwin Peninsula and Selawik Valley; northern and interior Seward Peninsula, and southern Seward Peninsula coast.
Coastal Flood Warnings: Kuskokwim Delta; St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait coast; Yukon Delta; Chukchi Sea coast; southern Seward Peninsula coast; eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills; Baldwin Peninsula and Selawik Valley, and northern and interior Seward Peninsula.
Coastal Flood Watch: Northern and western Arctic coast.
Special Weather Statement for High Surf: Bristol Bay.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
