A possible record-breaking storm has wreaked havoc on Alaska communities.
According to NBC News, towns along the state’s western coast have experienced severe flooding and significant damage caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service said the remnants of Typhoon Merbok hit Alaska early Saturday, causing what is believed to be the state’s “strongest storm in over a decade.”
“Impacts may exceed the 2011 Bering Sea Superstorm, and some locations may experience their worst coastal flooding in nearly 50 years,” the NWS office in Fairbanks tweeted Thursday. “Peak water levels will persist for 10 to 14 hours before water recedes.”
The agency confirmed Golovin has experienced major flooding, causing multiple road closures and several homes to be pulled from their foundations. Cities like Shaktoolik and Kotlik have also reported flooding.
Federal forecasters say the storm will continue throughout the weekend, with additional heavy rainfall expected for next week.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said no injuries have been reported, and confirmed some residents in the region have evacuated.
“Just now, I verbally declared a disaster for communities impacted by the west cost storm,” the governor tweeted Saturday. “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.”
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