A significant storm has caused severe riverbank erosion and flooding in the Akiak and Bethel regions of Southwest Alaska. In Akiak, residents have reported that the storm eroded between 10 and 20 feet of riverbank, swamped boats, and caused the loss of fishing nets.
In Bethel, the local government was forced to close parts of the city, including the south boat harbor and East Avenue, due to flooding. The Kuskokwim River gauge at Brown’s Slough reached 9.52 feet on the evening of August 18, indicating minor flooding in the area.
Bethel Search and Rescue reported that multiple locations along the Bethel riverfront were submerged, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour. The high winds, combined with an already swollen Kuskokwim River, created hazardous conditions.
Storm Causes Severe Flooding and Erosion in Southwest Alaska Amid Ongoing Weather ChallengesMeteorologist Christian Landry from the National Weather Service explained that strong onshore winds were preventing the river from draining into the Bering Sea, causing it to swell beyond its capacity.
As a result of these conditions, the National Weather Service extended a flood warning to include additional communities along the Kuskokwim River, such as Tuntutuliak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, and Atmautluak.
While a coastal flood advisory for the Kuskokwim Delta was lifted on August 18, there were reports of significant flooding in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, with one resident noting that it was the worst flooding in over 30 years.
The severe weather is part of a series of storms impacting Southwest Alaska, with this being the second storm in a week. The first storm hit the region on August 15, gradually weakening before the weekend.
The intensity of the second storm has been exacerbated by a rare super blue moon, which will peak on August 19. There is also uncertainty surrounding the impact of a third storm, the remnants of Typhoon Ampil, which could bring more rain to the area.
The National Weather Service has advised residents in affected areas to secure their belongings, move items inland if possible, and remain vigilant. With the possibility of additional storms, the situation remains dynamic, and further precautions may be necessary to protect lives and property in the coming days.