Powerful Autumn Storm to Barrel Towards Alaska in the Coming Days [NWS]

A powerful autumn storm is heading towards northern Alaska, bringing potentially-devastating wind gusts and rainfall.

This comes after the state received a destructive blow from another storm in September, which led to widespread coastal flooding.

Powerful Autumn Storm

(Photo : Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The new storm is forecasted to impact the Far North region and West-Central coasts of Alaska in the next few days, bringing beach erosion, coastal flooding, high winds, and high surf, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Alaska's next west coast storm is set to arrive as some communities are still recovering from the September storm, causing flooding and impacting nearly 1,000 miles of coastline.

NWS Meteorologist Ryan Metzger said the impacted communities from the previous storm are now vulnerable than ever than they were last month.

The project areas to receive the storm's wrath are from Shishmaref to Kotzebue and from the coast to Utqiagvik, the Alaska Public Media reported.

The NWS also issued warnings for high winds, flooding or both for the mentioned areas, as well as for the community of Gambell in St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea.

Also Read: Storm Alert: Former Typhoon Merbok Violently Hits Alaska with Powerful, Damaging Winds

Alaska's Strongest Storm

In September, a powerful storm from the remnants of Typhoon Merbok struck Alaska with unprecedented hurricane force winds, coastal flooding, high seas, and heavy rain, becoming Alaska's strongest storm in a decade.

The storm's strong winds pushed water inland, causing coastal erosion.

US weather authorities, including the NWS, also issued multiple weather warnings and alerts during that time.

A flood warning was issued for Alaska, and the storm affected multiple areas across the state, including Anchorage, Golovin, and Nome, as well as battering coastal communities with colossal storm surges.

Flooding was also reported in the small city of Shaktoolik along the Bering Sea coast.

Last month's storm caused flight cancellations for Alaska Airlines and prompted Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to issue a disaster declaration for affected areas.

The storm was a low pressure front over the Bering Strait where it spins as wide and strong as a winter storm.

Instead of bringing cold weather, the system was fed by the volatile air from Merbok, according to weather forecasters, as cited by NBC News.

Potential Threat and Disruption

Three weeks after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok struck coastal communities in Western Alaska, a similar scenario may likely take place in the coming hours and days when the looming coastal storm arrives.

Weather hazards, like heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, and widespread flooding are possible, causing infrastructural damage and travel disruption.

Speaking to reported on Wednesday, October 5, Gov. Dunleavy, along with cabinet members and meteorology experts, issued an advice for residents in communities along the Bering and Chukchi seas to prepare for the so-called "unusual storm system" that is gathering strength in a region above eastern Russia and heading toward Northwest Alaska.

The approaching storm is unique since it is continuing to get stronger as it moves toward the northwest Chukchi Sea, according to David Kramer with the NWS, as cited by Anchorage Daily News.

Related Article: Powerful Storm Hits Western Alaska Causing Widespread Flooding and Evacuations