Kuskokwim River

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

Troopers have identified the victims of the late July incident as 31-year-old Robert Lott of Akiak and 28-year-old David Alexie Jr. of Tuluksak.

Troopers say they received notification of the human remains on the afternoon of Sept. 3, but that they were unable to make a positive identification.

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.

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

The National Weather Service says coastal communities could see waters rise as high as 6 feet above normal highest tide on Aug. 18, while fierce southwest winds could cause flooding in Bethel and as far upriver as Tuluksak.

While cell service has been partially restored by GCI technicians, a complete lack of phone service last weekend turned a hassle into a public safety risk.

According to charging documents, 20-year-old Joshua Jackson allegedly stole boats in Kwethluk, Akiachak, Tuluksak, and Lower Kalskag during a roughly one and a half month period beginning in June.

Following the 36-hour opener, all previous restrictions within the refuge boundaries will be rescinded and management will be handed over to the state.

The man has not been publicly identified, but search and rescue crews say they believe it's the body of one of two boaters missing after a boat capsized on July 27.