Alaska governor declares disaster after ‘historic-level storm’ floods coastal towns

JUNEAU, Alaska — Remnants of Typhoon Merbok are causing widespread damage along the western coastline of Alaska.

The powerful storm is traveling north through the Bering Strait and has caused widespread flooding in several coastal communities, according to The Associated Press. Some homes have been moved off their foundations from the force of the water.

Update from @KYUKNews: About 110 people are sheltering at the Hooper Bay School. Tribal Chief Edgar Tall said at least three houses have moved off their foundations. He said he’s never seen a storm like this. https://t.co/xQ43HglY4T pic.twitter.com/UjMb0jASCX
— Alaska Public Media News (@AKpublicnews) September 17, 2022

At 9:39 am local time, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster for the communities affected by the storm.

Photos: Powerful storm floods coastal cities in Alaska

“Just now, I verbally declared a disaster for communities impacted by the West Coast storm. SEOC (State Emergency Operations Center) has received no reports of injuries at this time. We will continue to monitor the storm and update Alaskans as much as possible,” Dunleavy said.

Just now, I verbally declared a disaster for communities impacted by the west cost storm. SEOC has received no reports of injuries at this time. We will continue to monitor the storm and update Alaskans as much as possible.
— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) September 17, 2022

Coastal flooding has already been reported in various isolated communities in the Norton Sound in western Alaska. In Shaktoolik, a village 125 miles east of Nome, waves have already broken over the seawall and are entering the town.

Shaktoolik is reporting coastal flooding is starting. Significant waves are starting to break over the berm and water is entering the community and getting close to some homes. Residents have evacuated to the school and clinic. The water levels will not peak until this afternoon.
— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) September 17, 2022

University of Alaska Fairbanks climate specialist Rick Thoman told The Associated Press that “it’s a historic-level storm.”

Typhoon Merbok formed farther east in the Pacific Ocean than where such storms typically appear. Water temperatures are unusually warm this year so the storm “was able to spin up,” Thoman said.

Other coastal cities in the Norton Sound have reported significant flooding, including Gloving, Kotlik and Nome.

Major flooding in Golovin this morning. Water is still expected to rise 1-2 feet by this afternoon Our thoughts are with the community. (photos courtesy C. Lewis) #akwx pic.twitter.com/BO63uN8dGL
— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) September 17, 2022

High water and flooding is reported from Kotlik. Here is a the FAA webcam view from a normal day and then showing flooding this morning at 915 am. #akwx pic.twitter.com/nQoqHq1ePe
— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) September 17, 2022

Appears to be vehciles flooded at the #Nome airport. Still dealing with an 8' storm surge. #AlaskaSuperstorm #akwx #superstorm https://t.co/ciouNHwKwe pic.twitter.com/GD71CD48ku
— Chris Gloninger (@ChrisGloninger) September 17, 2022

According to the National Weather Service, Nome has reported a tide height of over 10 feet. The highest tide in the area was 12 feet in 1974.

At 10.27', the water at Nome exceeds both 2011 and 2004. The highest water in the modern era is approximately 12' in 1974. Significant impacts are occurring in Nome and many other communities at this time. https://t.co/43ndQ7VyOP pic.twitter.com/pFyFmKJxLp
— NWS Alaska Region (@NWSAlaska) September 17, 2022

Flights from Anchorage to the sparsely populated region have been canceled due to the storm.

Alaska state troopers are working with various government agencies, including the Alaska National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

We are working closely with our partners at @AlaskaDHSEM, @AKNationalGuard, @USCGAlaska, @AlaskaDOTPF, & local teams to assist with the response to the storm affecting Western AK. We stand ready to assist with search & rescue operations, & an emergency response across the region.
— Alaska State Troopers (@akstatetrooper) September 17, 2022