People Told to Leave as New Flood Record Predicted in Alaska
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
People in and near Juneau, Alaska, were warned on Tuesday of potential record-breaking flooding amid releases from a nearby basin.
Newsweek reached out to the City and Borough of Juneau via online form for comment.
Why It Matters
Recent flooding events around the country this summer have sparked concerns for communities in and near flood zones.
Regional emergency declarations are part of a broader trend across the United States, as extreme weather triggered catastrophic and deadly flooding in states including Texas and New Mexico this year.
What To Know
The releases are coming from Suicide Basin, which filled this spring and summer with rain and snowmelt behind Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier. According to the Associated Press, citing the National Weather Service, the peak for flood risk is at 4 p.m. Wednesday local time.
Flooding in recent years has damaged hundreds of homes and prompted mass evacuations in and around the Mendenhall River.
The Skyline of Juneau, Alaska, as seen in September 2009.
The Skyline of Juneau, Alaska, as seen in September 2009.
Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images
What People Are Saying
Nicole Ferrin, a weather service meteorologist, during a news conference on Tuesday, according to the AP: "This will be a new record, based on all of the information that we have."
The City and Borough of Juneau's website: "FLOOD Warning – Active Response Underway Suicide Basin is now releasing. Flooding is expected late Tuesday thru Wednesday. If you are in the 17ft flood inundation area (see JuneauFlood.com), evacuation is advised. Follow emergency alerts and use the resources on this page to stay safe. Be prepared — finalize evacuations plans, complete preparations, and evacuate when ready. Please do not go near the Mendenhall River."
What Happens Next
City, state and federal agencies plan for continued monitoring and response operations as the water moves downstream. Officials have advised residents in the flood inundation zone to evacuate, but said there was no need to rush, emphasizing an orderly departure.
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
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