Storm Watch 2017 - Event 01

Updates requested from LEO Network members on storm event. Disaster declaration for Shishmaref. Other impacted communities include: Kotzebue, Deering, Kivalina, Golovin, Utqiagvik.

Location: Coastal areas in Northwest Arctic and extended storm impact area. National Weather Service (NWS) updates are available 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.

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

On November 3, the SEOC was contacted by NWS warning of a series of large sea storms expected to impact first the Nome/Golovin area south to Unalakleet and Kotlik November 7 – 9. A much larger and stronger storm approached the Shishmaref, Kotzebue, and Kivalina areas beginning November 11. Prior to the storm, the SEOC contacted the Shishmaref mayor and council, VPSO, as well the Northwest Arctic Borough deputy public services director, Alaska State Troopers, ANTHC, DHSS, and Nome LEPC to advise them of the storm and the heightened potential for coastal flooding. After the second storm, on November 13, the SEOC learned the community of Shishmaref had reported damages to their dump road and coastal berms. Further north in Deering, the Northwest Arctic Borough (NWAB) confirmed earlier NWS reports of one house being evacuated due to flooding, two city-owned insulated and heated sheds/shops split apart due to wave action, and the road to airport flooded and impassable. An emergency management specialist (EMS), already in Kotzebue, was able to accompany the NWAB emergency manager on their charter flight to inspect the storm impacts in Deering. The city and tribe for Shishmaref sent the SEOC disaster declarations, and Deering sent a declaration to the NWAB. The road damages in Shishmaref are solely DOTs responsibility. The reported damages in Deering included the loss of two privately-owned sheds, but no loss to other improved property. The city is interested in funding and assistance to stabilize the natural slope adjacent to the beach to protect against erosion that would undermine a series of powerlines. NWAB will be assisting the city with sandbags and other mitigation efforts to stabilize the slope. No state assistance will be required for Deering.

From the State of Alaska Department of Geological and Geophysical Surveys: Measurements from a gauge placed at Kotzebue by DGGS showed flooding of 4.48 feet above Mean Lower Low Water. Which was comparable to the forecasted estimate of 5 feet. For measured water levels visit the gauge data at Kotzebue here. Past data can be found through the Alaska Ocean Observing System. For forecast coastal storm water levels at Kotzebue, see the National Weather Service station hydrographs.

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