Another storm threatens Northwest Alaska with high wind and coastal flooding

Less than three weeks after a powerful storm battered coastal communities in Western Alaska, another system is moving into the region, bringing with it a high risk of flooding and wind damage.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Gov. Mike Dunleavy, along with cabinet members and meteorology experts, advised residents in communities along the Bering and Chukchi seas to prepare for the unusual storm system that is gathering strength over far eastern Russia and heading toward Northwest Alaska.

“This storm is unique in that it is continuing to get stronger as it moves portions into the northwest Chukchi Sea,” said David Kramer with the National Weather Service.

Gusting winds from the south are forecast to be strongest around the North Slope communities of Point Hope and Point Lay, reaching up to 70 mph beginning Wednesday evening and through Thursday. Wind and flooding impacts are likely to be felt as far north as Utqiagvik, and farther south throughout Norton Sound and the mouth of the Yukon River starting Thursday.

“The wind impacts can have a lot of different issues for debris or affecting homes,” Kramer said.

Though fall storms are normal for much of Western Alaska, the advancing system is “non-typical” in both its intensity and location, according to Kramer. Sea ice has yet to form along the Arctic coast, which throughout most of the winter buffers coastal communities from erosion and flooding.

“Unfortunately,” Dunleavy said, “we’re not done with the storms.”

In preparation for the storm’s arrival, the Alaska National Guard has positioned assets and readied armory buildings in rural hub communities, including helicopters and personnel that have been assisting with recovery efforts from the last storm.

“This could be a different storm, so we are getting people ready now,” said Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, head of the Alaska National Guard.

The National Weather Service has storm and gale warnings in effect for much of coastal Alaska.