The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fairbanks, Alaska, has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for various regions along the Alaskan coastline. The watch is in effect from October 5 at 2:35 AM AKDT until October 9 at 4:00 AM AKDT. The affected areas include the Yukon Delta Coast, Western Arctic Coast, Northwest Arctic Coast, Northern Arctic Coast, Kivalina, Red Dog Dock, Lower Kobuk Valley, Baldwin Peninsula, and Northern Seward Peninsula.
According to the NWS alert, water levels are expected to be 2 to 4 feet higher than the normal high tide line along the Yukon Delta Coast, leading to minor coastal flooding and erosion. In the Western Arctic Coast, Northwest Arctic Coast, and other regions, significant coastal flooding is possible, with water levels potentially rising several feet above the normal high tide line. This could result in inundation of low-lying properties, including homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, as well as shoreline erosion.
The impacts of the coastal flooding watch are expected to include road closures, property inundation, and potential risks to freshwater intakes and fuel tanks in vulnerable communities. The NWS advises residents in the affected areas to stay informed about the evolving situation and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and protect their property.
The NWS will continue to provide updates with the latest information throughout the duration of the event, as there is still uncertainty regarding the exact water level heights. Initial impacts are projected to be felt earliest around Kotzebue Sound and latest around Utqiagvik.
The issuance of the Coastal Flood Watch underscores the importance of monitoring and preparing for extreme weather events, especially in coastal regions where the impacts of rising sea levels and storm surges can be particularly severe. Climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense weather events, highlighting the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable communities.
#CoastalFloodWatch #AlaskaWeather #ClimateChange #NexSouk #AIForGood
References:
– NWS Fairbanks AK Coastal Flood Watch: https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.99ddb9a95e97d02f19a01782ea623430d79aa04a.001.2.cap
– NWS Fairbanks AK Coastal Flood Watch: https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.99ddb9a95e97d02f19a01782ea623430d79aa04a.003.1.cap
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