Flood

Widespread rain and gale force winds are expected for Southwest Alaska through the weekend.

Residents of low-lying villages in Alaska know exactly where their communities are most prone to flooding, but that information hasn’t always been accessible on a wider scale. New research helps compile on-the-ground flood observations to help communities and outside agencies prepare for and predict future floods.

A Kongiganak tribal administrator said “it seemed like we were in the ocean looking around our village during the flood,” referring to the second and most powerful of three storms to rock the region.

While high water is predicted for coastal Yukon Delta communities, meteorologists say the brunt of the storm is likely headed for the southern edge of the Seward Peninsula.

Like what happened on the Kuskokwim River over the weekend and late last week, meteorologists say Tropical Storm Ampil could back up the Yukon River and lead to erosion and structural damage.

Some residents report that the flooding is worse than Typhoon Merbok, and that it rivals this year’s historic breakup floods on the Kuskokwim.