Major Ice Jam, Snowmelt Unleash Significant Flooding in Alaska Causing Disaster Declaration

No one was hurt, and emergency declarations occurred after major flooding emerged in two rivers in Alaska, causing concerns among authorities.

Residents in Alaska affected or near the flooded areas should keep updated with the weather before returning. It is best to listen to reports from authorities.

Reports added that the warmer temperatures and rainy conditions helped to unleash flooding concerns in the region, especially in the two rivers of Kuskokwim and Yukon.

Flooding concerns and emergency declarations

In the latest reports, Associated Press (AP) said a surge of ice and water was reported after two rivers reached their peak levels, causing significant flooding in the area.

Fairbanks, Alaska. Reports showed that a major ice jam and snowmelt caused a significant flooding concern in Alaska after the Yukon River and Kuskokwim River waters rapidly rose.

(Photo : by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Fairbanks, Alaska. Reports showed that a major ice jam and snowmelt caused a significant flooding concern in Alaska after the Yukon River and Kuskokwim River waters rapidly rose.

The report added that homes were also affected after the significant flooding emerged in the area.

Due to the threat of the rising waters, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a disaster declaration, alerting for potential dangers near the communities in the Yukon River and affected areas.

Furthermore, AccuWeather's latest forecast reported that the spring breakup in Alaska could play a significant role.

Ice could quickly melt, adding that the rainy outlook and freezing conditions could likely contribute to the flooding.

AccuWeather added that the roads in the area were also impacted, making them inaccessible to motorists.

Meanwhile, the NWS Fairbanks said a flood watch was issued in portions of the Yukon River at Tanana.

The report said that ice jam flooding could be possible. The weather advisory said residents in the affected areas or under the flood watch should stay alert for potential flooding.

In the previous reports, NWS Fairbanks also issued a flood warning in portions of the Buckland River and Fort Yukon due to the likelihood of flooding.

According to AP report and forecast, the flooding could likely continue next week.

Furthermore, the report said no one was reportedly hurt after the significant flooding in Alaska.

Also Read: Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season Set to Begin With Potential Threat of Heavy Rain, Flash Flooding.

Meanwhile, the report added that authorities were deployed to help repair the communication and generators in the area.

Staying prepared for the flooding concerns

The latest reports showed that significant flooding concerns emerged in Alaska due to the impact of significant snowmelt and ice jam.

As a result, communities in the affected areas should keep updated with the weather updates in Alaska, especially in the two rivers.

Affected residents should return homes when the flooding abates. It is also best to wait for announcements from authorities due to flooding threats.

When the floodwaters rapidly rise, evacuating to the nearest evacuation shelters or areas is best. Homeowners can also put their equipment or items on higher ground or areas.

Meanwhile, motorists with travel plans should observe the weather conditions in the affected areas before traveling.

Furthermore, homeowners and motorists should keep emergency kits inside their homes and cars, as power outages and challenging road conditions are possible.