The Northwest Arctic Borough would like to inform residents that we are in a coastal flood warning. As of Saturday 9/17/2022, at 2PM the storm is passing through the Bering Sea and headed north to the Kotzebue Sound and Chukchi Sea. The potential impacts for Deering, Kivalina and Kotzebue are as followed:
Deering: Water levels are expected to be 3-5 feet above the normal high tide line. The highest water levels will occur Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Water will run high, and flooding is likely in many parts of town. Roads and houses near the coast may be inundated. The road to the airport will be impassable. It is expected that there be south winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 65 mph. Significant erosion is likely. The Northwest Arctic Borough and the incident command team are on standby.
Kivalina: Water levels are expected to be 5-7 feet above normal highest tide line. The highest water levels will occur early Sunday morning. Water will run high, and flooding is likely in many parts of Kivalina. The water pump house and national guard buildings may be surrounded by water. The buildings on the lagoon side are at risk for flooding. It is expected that there be southeast winds of 45 mph gusting of 65 mph. Significant erosion is likely. The Northwest Arctic Borough and the incident command team are on standby.
Kotzebue: Water levels are expected to be 4-6 feet above the normal high tide line. With the highest water levels to occur early Sunday morning but will remain high throughout the day. Flooding is likely in the areas near the lagoon. There is potential impact to teacher housing. It is expected that there will be southeast winds of 35 to 45 mph, gusting up to 65 mph. The strongest winds will be Saturday morning. Significant beach erosion is likely. The City of Kotzebue and the incident command team is on standby.
The Northwest Arctic Borough is encouraging residents to shelter in place. It is advised to have flashlights, charged cell phones or satellite phones and food on hand.
Our incident command team is working with the Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and Kotzebue Police Department for any emergency action. For emergencies outside of Kotzebue please contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907-451-5100. For emergencies in Kotzebue, please contact the Kotzebue Police Department at 911.
Original source can be found here.
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