Alaska endures strong storm as remnants of Hurricane Merbok approach
Vast swathes of Alaska’s west coast are battling strong winds and flooding as the a strong storm threatens to become one of the worst in the state’s recent history.
“The strongest storm in over a decade is moving into the Bering Sea” National Weather Service said.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast in the area through Sunday morning as the remnants of Cyclone Merbok move northeast through the Bering Strait, according to the National Weather Service. Weather Service forecasts say gusts could reach hurricane strength in some areas.
Substantial coastal flooding is forecast through Sunday morning with peak water levels on Saturday, potentially leading to road closures, flooded homes and businesses and shoreline erosion. , the weather service said.
Sea levels are expected to be 3 to 8 feet above normal sea level rise along the coast of the Bering Strait, according to the Weather Service. Nome, an Alaskan city on the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula, will see water levels 8 to 11 feet above normal, forecasters said.
‘Historical STORM’:Alaska struggles against floods, power outages
Peak levels can persist for 10 to 14 hours before the water recedes, according to the weather service in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Strong gusts of 50 to 75 mph can also topple trees, damage roofs and buildings, and lead to significant power outages, according to AccuWeather. According to AccuWeather, the storm will also create “life-threatening conditions” for fishing operations, and warn small boats to stay in port.
‘One of the strongest storms ever to hit the state,’ forecasters say
The storm’s impact could exceed 2011’s Bering Sea Superstorm, one of the strongest hurricanes affecting Alaska on record, According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanksadded that some areas of the state could experience the worst coastal flooding in nearly 50 years.
AccuWeather calls it “One of the strongest storms ever to make landfall state of Alaska. “
According to AccuWeather, Hurricane Merbok is expected to ease over the weekend as it crosses the Arctic Circle, adding that most of the storm’s impacts will be concentrated in western and northern Alaska.
Other parts of the state, including Fairbanks and Anchorage, are likely to see rain Sunday night through Monday, according to AccuWeather’s forecast.
TYPES OF FIONAL STORM FIONA:Storm heading for Puerto Rico
Tropical Storm Fiona makes landfall in Puerto Rico
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fiona Up to 16 inches of rain is expected over parts of Puerto Rico on Saturday, threatening severe flooding, landslides and power outages.
The storm is forecast to become a hurricane as it approaches Puerto Rico, shortly after hitting the eastern Caribbean islands. One death was reported Saturday in Guadeloupe, a French territory in the southern Caribbean Sea.
Puerto Rican authorities have opened shelters and closed public beaches, theaters and museums, urging people to stay indoors.
Contribution: Associated Press
Contact News Now Reporter Christine Fernando at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern.