A massive, potentially record-breaking storm caused extensive flooding and damage to coastal Alaskan towns on Saturday, prompting some residents to evacuate. Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he “verbally declared” a disaster for communities affected by the storm.
The governor said on Twitter that there were no injuries. “We will continue to monitor the storm and update Alaskans as much as possible,” he tweeted.
Flooding is seen in Golovin, Alaska on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Heidi Varga
In the town of Golovin, major flooding was reported early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service, and forecasters warned it would only get worse. The city could see an additional 1 to 2 feet of water by the end of the day.
“Water surrounds the school, homes and structures are flooded, at least a couple of homes are floating off their foundations, some older fuel tanks are tilted,” the Fairbanks weather service office tweeted.
Weather service photos showed high water levels there.
Heavy flooding in Golovin this morning. Water is still expected to rise 1-2 feet this afternoon. Our thoughts are with the community. (photos courtesy of C. Lewis) #akwx pic.twitter.com/BO63uN8dGL
— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) September 17, 2022
Another town, Shaktoolik, reported coastal flooding, with water “entering the community and approaching some homes,” according to the weather service. Residents there were evacuated to a school and a clinic. Shaktoolik was also expected to see the worst of the storm later in the day.
Water levels in Nome topped 10 feet Saturday and are expected to continue rising, according to the NWS.
A very angry sea in Nome this morning. Waves and storm surge are coming into the community, even along Front Street. Water levels are expected to peak this afternoon. Here’s an image of Nome Harbor (courtesy of the Alaska Ocean Observing System). pic.twitter.com/oX5XZPHIti
— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) September 17, 2022
The weather service also shared footage from a webcam in Unalakleet, comparing an average day in town to the scene Saturday morning.
Webcam images from the FAA airport in Unalakleet. One image shows a normal day, the other shows water flooding the area around the airport from 8am this morning. The water level will continue to rise another foot this afternoon. #akwx pic.twitter.com/0tVjXy3dLv
— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) September 17, 2022
As of Saturday afternoon, large swathes of the state’s western coast were under coastal flooding and high wind warnings. The weather service said flood warnings would remain in effect for several areas through Sunday night, while wind warnings were expected to expire Saturday night.
The weather service said the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta would see a “smaller surge” during high tide late Saturday afternoon and evening.
“The highest water levels are expected from Kipnuk north to Newtok,” the NWS tweeted. A coastal flood warning was extended for that region until 10pm on Saturday.
A massive storm hits Gambell, Alaska. September 16, 2022. Clarence Irrigoo Jr.
Other parts of the state are under thunderstorm warnings, according to the weather service.
The weather service shared maximum wind gusts as of 8 a.m. local time: The highest recorded was 91 mph at Cape Romanzof. Several other towns, including Golovin, saw winds in excess of 60 mph.
The storm’s center was located south of the Bering Strait early Saturday morning, the weather service said.
Here’s a view of the Bering Sea storm illuminated by the moonlight just before sunrise (lightening on the right). At this time it is located south of the Bering Strait.
It was just over half moon last night. Luckily the tides weren’t as high as they could have been. pic.twitter.com/sKoVAWOaBc
— NWS Alaska Region (@NWSAlaska) September 17, 2022
The storm is the remnants of Typhoon Merbok, and forecasters this week predicted it could cause “potentially historic” flooding, with some coastal areas seeing water levels up to 11 feet higher than normal high tide.
Trending news
Sophie Reardon
Sophie Reardon is a news editor at CBS News. Contact her at sophie.reardon@viacomcbs.com