Historic Bering Sea Storm

One of the strongest storms to impact the state of Alaska will rage across the state through tonight.  This storm has a central pressure that would be equivalent to a category 3 hurricane in the tropics!  As a result hurricane force will exist over an area about the size of the state of Colorado with winds in excess of 80 mph with some wind gust possibly up to 100 mph!  Significant coastal flooding and ice shoves will be accompanied by heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions.  This storm will rival if not surpass the strongest storm on record from back in the early 1970s! 

 

[caption id="attachment_2440" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Historic Bering Sea Storm Surface Map"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2453" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Surface Map"][/caption]

Just how serious is this storm?  It could be deadly.  Here is a statement from the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, Alaska:

 "THIS WILL BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING STORM OF AN EPIC MAGNITUDE RARELY EXPERIENCED. ALL PEOPLE IN THE AREA SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO SAFEGUARD THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTY."

Wow.  Imagine hearing those headlines. 

Coastal areas will be especially hard hit.  Here is the storm surge expected in Nome, AK:

[caption id="attachment_2441" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Storm surge 8-10' by tonight"][/caption]

Storm intensity will peak today and conditions will improve by tomorrow, but likely not until after this historic storm re-writes the record books!