Storm Watch 2017 - Event 02

The NWS is notifying core partners concerning a potentially high impact coastal storm that is projected to reach portions of Norton Sound and the Northwest Coast beginning Tuesday afternoon and continue into Wednesday mid-day. SEOC is now at Preparedness Level 2 – Heightened Awareness.

Location: Regions most impacted will be: Norton Sound Health Corporation, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and Maniilaq Association. Please reference the National Weather Service (NWS) for updates related to your specific area here.

Description: This project includes observations, information and resources about this storm event. Observations are used for documentation, impact assessment and planning.

Emergencies: LEO Network is not for reporting emergencies. Please use the standard emergency reporting system as needed. For more information see DHSEM website.

Storm Condition Updates: Observers can report weather updates directly to the National Weather Service, through the National Storm Reporting System. Information is delivered to the forecast desk as soon as the form is submitted.

Update 11.30.17 From the State Emergency Operation Center, Alaska Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

On November 20, the NWS began warning the SEOC that a strong storm would track through the eastern Bering Sea over the next few days. Ahead of this low an associated cold front will cross the region, with strong northwesterly winds developing following frontal passage. Sustained winds of 50 to 65 mph, with higher gusts likely. Some uncertainty exists with the track and strength of the low and residents were urged to monitor the forecast for future updates. NWS specifically identified the coastal communities at most risk as Kivalina, Stebbins, Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, Kotlik, and Golovin; NWS also provided the SEOC with specific storm and flooding potential powerpoints for each of these six communities. On November 22, the SEOC reached out to NWAB, Kivalina, Deering, Shishmaref, Golovin, Stebbins, Diomede, Shaktoolik, Unalakleet, and Kotlik for updates on the storm. We also heard back from Savoonga and Gambell.

Forecast Update 11.22.17: The system is expected to continue to produce blizzard and coastal flooding conditions though out this evening. These weather products will remain in effect until 6pm this evening. The system has also moved further into Norton Sound and YKHC regions. The NWS has put out Winter Storm Warnings for most of the YK Delta. On the coast they expect to see winter storm conditions, possible coastal flooding and gale force winds. Inland from the coast are expected to see winter storm conditions with an accumulation of 3 to 5 inches of snow and up to 12 inches in some areas. These weather products will remain in effect until Noon on Thursday.

• The blizzard warning for northwestern Alaska expires at noon today. • The blizzard and coastal flood warnings for St. Lawrence Island, Seward Peninsula, Norton Sound, and Yukon Delta communities remain in effect until 6 am Thursday. • A high wind warning is in effect for the Aleutians East Borough until 6 pm Thursday. • There is a winter weather advisory and coastal flood advisory for the Lake and Peninsula Borough and the Kuskokwim Delta today. • There are numerous warnings and advisories for waters around Alaska today. Follow these links for the most current List of Watches, Warnings and Advisories statewide

Safety: Please be careful and do not put yourself in harm’s way to gather information.

Observing Guidance: Please provide photos and descriptions of storm impacts including critical infrastructure (transportation, clinics, power, water/waste, communication, community shelters, schools) and homes as well as the environment (shoreline erosion). Before and after photos taken from the same vantage point can be very helpful to document events. Observers can post text and images (using LEO website or App), text and video via email. Images and measurements of water extent and height are also important. LEO will share reports with state officials and connect observers with technical advisors.

Resources: The State of Alaska, Department of Military and Veteran Affairs Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) is the entity responsible for providing support to communities to plan for, respond to and recover from disasters. DHS&EM has developed many tools to assist communities in their effort to prepare for disasters. See more information below in the Resources section. Please see above link to the NWS, NOAA for weather updates. Alaska Emergency Response Guide for Small Communities: The Alaska Emergency Response Guide for Small Communities is a planning tool for local government leaders as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster or emergency in their community. The guide will help "bridge the gap" until a local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is developed as required by Alaska Statute Section 26.23.060 (e). Small Community Emergency Response Plan: The Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP) is an exciting approach to emergency management for small communities. SCERP is a customized flip book with essential, community-specific information for responding to a disaster. For additional information or questions please call DHS&EM SCERP Planning Team toll-free at 1-800-478-2337 or 1-907-428-7000. As a reminder, planning really is a cyclical process.

Response: The State Emergency Operation Center is housed within DHS&EM and provides statewide coordination during a response and is available 24/7. We advocate for calling early and calling often. If you have a concern related to disaster it is always recommended to call the SEOC and share the information.
online training opportunities, through FEMA, to learn more about the Incident Command System. DHS&EM also manages a statewide training calendar to watch for upcoming trainings.

ANTHC also is committed to supporting public health preparedness efforts in communities. We provide technical assistance and act as liaisons to support communities and the Alaska Tribal Health System to prepare for and respond to disasters. You can learn more about our program through our website."

Link resources:

• National Weather Service Alaska
• Division of Homeland Sercurity and Emergency Response
• ANTHC Emergency Preparedness Program