State Emergency Operation Center activated for west coast storm

As communities along the western coast of Alaska grapple with significant weather system expected to bring storm and flood damage, the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), which operates on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) has been activated, according to a release from the Alaska Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood warnings for large areas of the region as a series of low-pressure systems is expected to hit the western and northern coasts of Alaska today through Sunday. Kotzebue has already been issued a mandatory ordered to evacuate.

The SEOC is coordinating state-wide support for local incident command’s flood preparation and response efforts as several communities face an imminent threat of coastal flooding.

Communities including Kotzebue, Kivalina, Shishmaref, Golovin, and Nunam Iqua are expected to be among communities impacted. Weather forecasters anticipate high water will enter these communities, posing a risk of coastal infrastructure flood damage. Water is forecast to reach its highest levels October 8 and into early morning Wednesday and early Thursday morning.

Upon activation, the SEOC immediately initiated outreach to all communities in the storm’s projected path to confirm awareness and support local preparedness efforts, setting up open communications with threatened communities and continuing to maintain contact throughout the event.

The SEOC is actively coordinating resources and support with a wide array of state and non-governmental partners, including the Alaska National Guard, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Public Safety, Department of Health, American Red Cross of Alaska, Salvation Army Alaska Division, United States Coast Guard, Alaska Native Tribal Health Corporation, Regional Tribal organizations, and the State Mass Care Group. Federal emergency response elements remain available for state response even during the current federal shutdown.

As of the October 8 press release, the SEOC has not received any requests for emergency response support, which highlights the strong local community preparation. Communities have reported opening local shelters to secure vulnerable populations, including elders, families with small children, the medically fragile, and residents who live in low-lying areas. All residents in the impacted areas are strongly encouraged to move boats and vehicles to higher ground immediately. SEOC will have an enhanced Watch overnight and has staff ready to deploy in response as needed.

The SEOC urges all residents to continue monitoring weather alerts, follow the instructions of local officials, and maintain their personal preparedness plans.