Numerous weather-related alerts are in effect as an atmospheric river approaches Alaska this week.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have warned that a long-duration storm will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the southwest part of the state this week.
Why It Matters
Atmospheric rivers are a “long, narrow region in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They commonly impact the Pacific Northwest during the winter months.
In Southwest Alaska, such storms typically begin in early to mid-August.
“It’s actually a little late for that,” NWS meteorologist Joshua Ribail told Newsweek. “It’s been a pretty dry summer, all things considered.”
File: Steam rises from the glacial mudflats of Turnagain Arm after a summer rain in Alaska. File: Steam rises from the glacial mudflats of Turnagain Arm after a summer rain in Alaska. MorningDewPhotography/Getty
What to Know
The atmospheric river began in southwest Alaska on Wednesday.
NWS Anchorage had several weather alerts in place for the region on Wednesday, including small craft advisories, gale warnings, and a hydrologic outlook that warned of heavy rainfall.
“Incoming storms will bring a long duration rainfall event to most of Southcentral Alaska Wednesday through Friday,” NWS Anchorage posted on X on Wednesday. “Gusty SE gap winds will persist and localized flood potential will increase.”
In a flood watch issued for the state, meteorologists explained that up to 1 inch of rain has already fallen and another 2.5 inches is possible through Thursday. Heavy rain could cause small streams and rivers to flood, NWS Anchorage warned.
The heaviest rain is expected east of Whittier, southwest of Valdez, and west of Cordova, according to a rainfall map from the NWS. Ribail said winds between 30 to 40 miles per hour are likely, with some gusts reaching up to 65 mph.
What People Are Saying
NWS Anchorage in a post on X on Monday: “Fall-like weather is on the way! 3 storms will bring periods of moderate/heavy rain this week, with much of Southcentral expected to see at least 0.5 inches of rain. SE gap winds will also pick up. Hazardous conditions are possible, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast.”
NWS Anchorage in a hydrologic outlook: “Confidence is high that a multi-day heavy rainfall event will occur across Southcentral Alaska, with the northern Susitna Valley and Prince William Sound receiving the heaviest rainfall.”
What Happens Next
The atmospheric river is expected to persist through the end of the week, meteorologists said. Residents in the region are advised to follow local weather forecasts and be prepared to take action quickly in the event of flooding.
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