On December 1-2, 2020, an “atmospheric river” plowed into southeastern Alaska. An atmospheric river is a channel of deep moisture that flows from the tropics into other areas. This has led to historic rainfall amounts and flooding across southeastern Alaska.
48 hour rainfall totals from 5-14", wind gusts of 65 mph, 30+ inches of snow, debris flows, flooding, you name it we saw it. The image shows deep moisture surging into the SEAK from the tropics. #AtmosphericRiver #akwx .@KTOOpubmedia .@KHNS_FM .@cbjuneau .@UWCIMSS pic.twitter.com/JkudNcIhar
— NWS Juneau (@NWSJuneau) December 2, 2020
The town of Haines, about 90 miles north of Juneau was the hardest hit. As of the morning of December 2, the town set a record one-day rainfall total (6.36”) and a record two-day rainfall total (8.52”). Flooding and mudslides cut off many roads in town. As of 7:30 am EST, December 3, six people were still unaccounted for after a landslide destroyed four homes on Beach Road.
Update as of 6pm EST: Per Alaska’s News Source, four of the people previously missing have been found safe. There are still two unaccounted for. “David Simmons and Jenae Larson are still missing, and their homes were located in the landslide area.”
Haines, Alaska, got hit hard with heavy rain (ongoing), floods, mudslides, roads washed out..everything closed including airport and medical clinic..CG Medivac had to land in town this morning..Images: Young Rd, Spruce Grove, Airport pic.twitter.com/khvKeBidQ4
— akmk (@akmk) December 2, 2020
In Juneau, over 5” of rain fell, setting a new record. This rain led to flooding throughout the city. Strong winds as high as 60-65 mph also battered the Alaskan town, knocking down numerous trees. A tree fell onto a house in the Switzer Village neighborhood.
Jordan Square area around #Juneau’s Jordan Creek not looking good this Wednesday morning at 7:10 AM. #akwx @cbjuneau @NWSJuneau #flood #atmosphericriver chiropractic care cancelled this morning. 🙁 pic.twitter.com/gSEn7oV7Se
— Westbrook Adkins (@westbrookadkins) December 2, 2020
Sources:
Alaska Department of Public Safety
https://www.ktoo.org/2020/12/02/record-breaking-rainfall-leaves-muddy-mess-across-southeast-alaska/