ANCHORAGE, AK (Alaska’s News Source) – Rain has begun to stretch from the Kuskokwim Delta to the Seward Peninsula with snow thrown into the mix as a major storm hits the coast.
Wind gusts as of 7 a.m. have already exceeded 50 mph in Bethel, Hooper, Bay, Gambell and many more locations. As the day continues, it’s important to know that only greater impacts lay ahead though Friday until Saturday brings weaker winds and weaker showers.
Water levels are expected to climb from the Southwest Coastline all the way to Utqiagvik with the highest water levels Friday.
- The highest surf is expected to climb to 8 to 10 feet above high tide in Elim and Koyuk.
- Water levels ranging from 6 to 8 feet are expected in Hooper Bay.
- Water levels from 4 to 6 feet are likely in Teller to Wales and Shaktoolik to Nome.
- High surf from 2 to 5 feet are ahead in Stebbins to Unalakleet and Shishmaref to Red Dog Dock, Scammon Bay to southwest of Stebbins, and Point Hope to Point Lay.
- Gambell, Savoonga, and the northwest coast from Wainwright to Utqiagvik will see high surf from 2 to 4 feet.
Flooding potential and high surf are at top of mind for coastal communities, but heavy rain is also ahead from much of the Western Region. Brace for consistent rain through the day in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and heavy snow in the Seward Peninsula inland. Nome and Southern Seward Peninsula locations will likely collect 3 to 7 inches of snow throughout Friday heading into Saturday. Heaviest snow is anticipated for the Noatak alley and Brooks Range with 10 to 20 inches of snow Friday through Sunday. North Slope impacts will arrive in the evening hours Friday and continue through the weekend…