Alaska Coastal Storm is Historic, 'Life-threatening' and Gaining Power
The worst storm in decades is heading for the West coast of Alaska, with the National Weather Service advisory describing it on Tuesday as “extremely dangerous and life-threatening.”
The NWS office in Fairbanks referred to it as the “Bearing Sea Superstorm” and said it will stretch south to north along the Bearing Sea.
The area that will be worst affected extends from Point Hope to Hooper Bay, and it will see hurricane-like conditions. The village of Kivalina is likely to take the brunt of the storm, which will gather wind power of more than 80 mph.
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"Essentially the entire west coast of Alaska is going to see blizzard and winter conditions - heavy snow, poor visibility, high winds,” said Bib Fischer, a lead forecaster for the NWS.
The storm, currently travelling at 60 mph, might reach the beachfront city of Nome Tuesday night. Dangers also concern a potential ocean wave surge that might raise 30-feet large waves and be devastating to houses and apartments in the area. Many residents have already packed up and left their homes.
Scott Johnson, a banker from Nome, told the Associated Press residents are used to harsh conditions and big waves, but the alarm by the National Weather Service is forcing them to take the danger seriously and close stores and businesses early. However, he shared 18 Alaska Natives villages further up will be in bigger trouble.
"They're going to get hit more and have less infrastructure than we do,” said Johnson/
The storm is projected to be the biggest one in decade. The last time such a powerful surge was reported in the region was in 1974.
Besides causing flooding and beach erosion, the waves may also spew ice onto the shore. Sea levels are expected to reach their highest levels on Tuesday night.
Emergency services in the area are placed on alert and keeping watch over a number of communities.
