Background Articles

A severe storm hit Anchorage and Mat-Su, causing power outages for thousands due to high winds and rain. Gusts exceeded 100 mph in higher elevations, with significant impacts across the region.

Alaska is experiencing an unusually low snowfall this winter, discussed by Rick Thoman, an Alaska Climate Specialist, who highlights broader climate trends such as warming and increased precipitation.

A severe winter storm battered Newfoundland and Labrador, leaving thousands without power and causing significant damage along the coastline.

In Nuuk, a large construction crane has collapsed due to a storm, with no reported injuries.

A new Senate report highlights that thawing permafrost is destabilizing northern runways in Canada, posing a threat to aviation safety as climate change impacts critical infrastructure.

Despite reduced overall ice coverage in Canada's Northwest Passage, the Arctic shipping season is shortening due to increased mobility and breakage of sea ice creating navigational hazards.

The Homer City Council has extended the local emergency declaration for Homer Spit, originally issued after significant storm surge damage, and is seeking further state and federal disaster assistance.

A new report reveals a rise in polar bears on land and dangerous travel conditions in Northwest Alaska due to climate change.

A fishing vessel capsized in the Gulf of Alaska during a storm, leaving seven empty survival suits but no sign of the five-member crew.

Russian warships from the Northern Fleet faced significant challenges from sea ice while navigating the Northern Sea Route, despite Russia's development of naval icebreakers.

A cold wave from Siberia and Finland is bringing frigid temperatures to Norway, with conditions falling to minus 25 degrees Celsius in some parts.

In November and December, Western Alaska experiences rapid weather changes due to large-scale atmospheric conditions, with winds causing sudden temperature rises, especially when moving inland from the sea or down from mountains.

A powerful "bomb cyclone" swept across the northwest United States, leading to the deaths of two people, widespread power outages, and significant damage from fallen trees and extreme weather conditions.

An aerial survey of the Kuskokwim River reveals widespread thin ice and large open holes, raising safety concerns for nearby communities.

A storm caused significant erosion damage to Homer Spit Road, reducing it to one lane. Repair efforts are underway to restore the road and impacted businesses.

New data reveals high salinity levels in several Halifax lakes, posing a threat to aquatic life. Halifax considers new measures to manage salt runoff.

The Biden administration supports a land trade in an Alaskan wildlife refuge, exchanging 490 acres for 31,198 acres, despite controversy and opposition from some tribal communities.

Yukon's per capita emissions have decreased, but overall emissions are rising due to population and economic growth, challenging the territory's ambitious 45% reduction goal.

People living in West Dawson are urging the Yukon government to do more to support them while they wait for the Yukon River to freeze over, and provide them with reliable access to emergency services.

In Kotzebue, Alaska, local responders continue to repair over 50 properties severely damaged by a storm in October, focusing on essential infrastructure before winter begins.