Coastal Flood — Yukon Delta, Alaska

2017-01-01 · Yukon Delta, Alaska

Wider weather episode

Back to back strong low pressure systems affected much of the state over several days from December 28th 2016 until January 2nd 2017.

Freezing rain in the Bristol bay area, strong wind, heavy snow and blizzard conditions for the west coast and interior as well as minor coastal flooding with higher than normal storm surges ( 5 to 9 feet) occurred along the southern Seward Peninsula over the course of several days.

Strong southerly winds of 50 to 65 mph pushed sea ice on shore and water levels rose in several villages. Villages along Norton sound reported high surge values of 5 to 9 feet breaking up the ice near shore and pushing it up onto the land. High water on roads and near homes were reported in nome savoonga and unallakleet.

High winds damaged buildings in Kotzebue along with power outages.

Gambell runway on Saint Lawrence island received flooding and minor damage to lighting. Airport was closed.

Savoonga received power outages and over 30 homes had roofing damage.

Golovin old runway was inundated with water and half a foot from reaching lowest area of the village.

Boats reported missing at shishmaref.

Zones 211 and 212: Minor coastal flooding in Norton sound due to the water level rise and sea ice pushed into villages. Nome minor flooding of homes along belmont point.

Zone 213: Coastal flooding of Gambell airport.

Zone 214: Coastal flooding in Kotlik

Zone 207: Minor coastal flooding near shishmaref. Boats reported lost.

Zone 217 - Blizzard conditions were observed at Noatak. Estimated snow fall of 1 to 2 feet in the mountains north of Ambler.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 673845. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.