Forecasters are calling the weekend storm one of the “most powerful systems to move through the Bering Sea area in decades.” And the wind speed was measured at near hurricane strength.
Residents that were evacuated on Saturday are returning to their homes. And assessing the damage.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared historic floods a disaster emergency. In a Saturday press conference, he confirmed that a substantial amount of damage had been done to the area. But no injuries were initially reported.
“Just now, I verbally declared a disaster for communities impacted by the West Coast storm. SEOC (State Emergency Operations Center) has received no reports of injuries at this time. We will continue to monitor the storm and update Alaskans as much as possible,” the Republican governor announced.
Weekend storms leave damage
On Sunday the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities updated its website. The hardest hit regions include
Hooper Bay, Nome, Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, Golvin, Kotlik, and Nunam Iqua. The Old Golvin Airport was completely underwater.
