Storm Surge/Tide — Srn Seward Peninsula Coast, Alaska

2005-09-22 to 2005-09-24 · Srn Seward Peninsula Coast, Alaska

Wider weather episode

A low pressure center moved north over the eastern Bering Sea on the 22nd reaching the western Seward Peninsula early on the 23rd and deepening to 966 mb. The storm produced elevated sea levels which added to a pre-existing elevated level (about 2 feet) from a weaker storm a day earlier. The total storm surge was around 9 feet as recorded at Nome. Over the southern Chukchi Sea the surge was estimated around 4 feet at Shishmaref. On top of the surge there were wind waves of 10 to 15 feet over Norton Sound, and an estimated 5 to 10 feet over the Southern Chukchi Sea.High winds were reported at:Zone 208: Red Dog Mine wind gusts to 57 knots (66 mph).Zone 211: Golovin AWOS wind gusts as high as 57 knots (66 mph); Nome ASOS had gusts to 57 mph.Zone 214: Cape Romanzof AWOS wind gusts to 56 knots (65 mph). Damages reported from the winds, surf and storm surge:Zone 207Kivalina - 25-30 feet of beach erosion, along a 500 foot length of shoreline, at the southeast end of town. There was 20 feet of beach erosion toward the airstrip, encroaching on the taxiway. Several telephone poles near the edge of shore were toppled due to erosion underneath. The school principal and family had to evacuate their residence during the storm as water moved right to the edge of the structure. Shishmaref: Flooding on lagoon side; beach erosion on ocean side, but no structures damaged.Damage amounts were $279,000 claimed by the Northwest Arctic Borough, and $32, 000 by the city of Shishmaref. In addition, there may have been damage amounts filed by State of Alaska Department of Transportation for locations in this zone- the total amount for this is included in Zone 211.Zone 210Pilgrim Hot Springs: Cottonwood Bridge collapsed due to the river swollen from excessive rain.Damage Amounts for this are included in the total amount claimed under Public Assistance by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation in the entry for zone 211. Zone 211Nome: Phone lines down near radio station KICY transmitter. Water reported into several homes in low lying areas like Belmont Street with about one foot of water above the floor of the homes. Basements in a couple of businesses on Front Street were being pumped out at the same rate they were being flooded. The new Harbor Entrance had sand eroded away and nearly exposed the utility sewer line, which had been buried to connect town with the water treatment plant. Seven power poles knocked down on mile 3 of the Nome-Council Road. School was cancelled on Friday the 23rd. Wind blew sidling off some homes, also the siding off one face of radio station KNOM building. Minor roof damage to many homes and businesses, including NWS housing. Minor flooding on road to airport. Golovin: Water covered roadway to a depth of 3 feet. Fuel tanks were floating around. Lower half of town was under several feet of water.White Mountain: Two sunken boats and a few fallen trees. Roads flooded, including the access road to the river.Damage amounts include the portion of $100,000 of Individual Assistance to the Bering Strait Regional Education Attendance Area (Schools); Public Assistance Costs of $56,848 to the City of Nome, $53,000 to Nome Joint Utilities, $1,000 to Golovin, and State of Alaska Department of Transportation for locations in all zones affected by this storm is $2,005,253.Zone 212Shaktoolik: a "wall of logs" - a debris pile washed 20 feet behind houses. The old airport lost 10-15 feet of airstrip due to beach erosion.Elim: Driveway road in front of the Elim Main Street was damaged. Damage to the road to Moses Point (this road was just repaired this summer from the Oct. 2004 storm). Mile 17 and occasionally from mile 20 to 30 was washed out or impassable. Some fish camps near Iron Creek, Moses Point, and Caches were washed out or flooded. Moses Point airstrip partially washed out.Unalakleet: Minor beach erosion at mouth of Unalakleet River.Saint Michaels: Telephone communications lines were downed.Stebbins: Damage to Cache house, Smoke house and Sauna house near the beach. BIA road damaged, approximate repair of $8000. The flats south of Stebbins were flooded approximately 1/2 mile inland. Grasses that were picked for basket making were damaged.Damage amounts include the portion of $107,000 of Individual Assistance to the Bering Strait Regional Education Attendance Area (Schools); Public Assistance Costs of $1,600 to St. Michael, $55,000 to Elim, $86,000 to the city of Unalakleet. In addition, there may have been damage amounts filed by State of Alaska Department of Transportation for locations in this zone- the total amount for this is included in Zone 211.Zone 213Teller: some sea water moved over the main road and essentially split the town in two during the height of the surge.No damage to Gambell or Savoonga - surge and winds were much lower.No Damage amounts reported.Zone 214Emmonak: Main road to airport was flooded and waves caused significant erosion to road. Wave action damaged some boats at boat dock.Scammon Bay: Several people were trapped on a boat overnight on the 22nd because the water was too rough to rescue them. They were rescued the morning of the 23rd with no injuries. At least 4 feet of water washed over the road. Minor flooding occurred as water just reached to the houses.Damage amounts include $1000 claimed by Nunam Iqua under Public Assistance, and $14,000 as a portion claimed by applicants (schools) under the Regional Education Attendance Area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5474430. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.