Governor Mike Dunleavy declared the 2025 October West Coast Storm a disaster this afternoon, after flooding hit communities along Alaska’s west and north coasts.
Flooding has affected areas from Utqiaġvik on the northern tip of Alaska to Wales on the westernmost point. The remnants of Typhoon Halong brought above–high tide sea surges.
A ridge of high atmospheric pressure over the Gulf of Alaska has kept the strongest storm systems away from Southeast Alaska, according to a National Weather Service report released early Thursday morning.
The Northwest Arctic Borough has been hit by the highest flood levels, reporting damage to homes and infrastructure.
Dunleavy’s declaration activated the State of Alaska Public and Individual Assistance programs, which provide grants to restore damaged infrastructure, cover emergency transportation and medical costs and find temporary housing.
There are no reports of injuries, according to a 2 p.m. press release from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The SEOC has partnered with other state and non-governmental agencies to respond to the flood.
The National Weather Service predicts additional storms will impact the Northwest Arctic and North Slope boroughs in the coming days, with flood warnings in effect from Shishmaref to Nuiqsut beginning late Saturday and lasting through Monday.
“While some areas will not be as severely affected, other areas could see a greater impact from the next storm. Communities and residents in the warning area should continue to prepare, keep shelters ready, and avoid travel,” said SEOC Incident Commander Mark Roberts in the homeland security press release. “This event is far from over.”
