November 2011 Bering Sea cyclone: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox winter storm |
{{Infobox winter storm |
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|name=2011 Bering Sea superstorm |
|name=2011 Bering Sea superstorm |
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|stormtype=Extratropical |
|stormtype=Extratropical |
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|image location=2011 Bering Sea superstorm on |
|image location=2011 Bering Sea superstorm on 8 November.jpg |
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|image name=Satellite image of the storm intensifying on November 8 |
|image name=Satellite image of the storm intensifying on November 8 |
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|date formed= |
|date formed=6 November 2011 |
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|date dissipated= |
|date dissipated=11 November 2011<ref name=storm>{{cite news|last=D'Oro|first=Rachel|title=Huge storm leaves Alaska's western coast|url=http://juneauempire.com/state/2011-11-11/huge-storm-leaves-alaskas-western-coast#.Tr2DXfQUq7s|accessdate=11 November 2011|date=11 November 2011}}</ref> |
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|pressure={{convert|943|mb|inHg}} <!--NWS Anchorage--> |
|pressure={{convert|943|mb|inHg}} <!--NWS Anchorage--> |
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|total damages (USD)=Unknown |
|total damages (USD)=Unknown |
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|total fatalities=0 |
|total fatalities=0 |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''2011 Bering Sea superstorm''' was an [[extratropical cyclone]] that affected western [[Alaska]]. On |
The '''2011 Bering Sea superstorm''' was an [[extratropical cyclone]] that affected western [[Alaska]]. On 8 November, the [[National Weather Service]] (NWS) began issuing severe weather warnings, saying that this was a near record (or record) storm in the [[Bering Sea]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Samenow|first=Jason|title=Alaska storm to produce "historic" hurricane-like conditions|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/historic-alaska-storm-to-produce-hurricane-conditions/2011/11/08/gIQAaiqy0M_blog.html|accessdate=8 November 2011|date=8 November 2011|work=The Washington Post}}</ref> It rapidly deepened from {{convert|973|mb|inHg|abbr=on}} to {{convert|948|mb|inHg|abbr=on}} in just 24 hours before bottoming out at {{convert|943|mb|inHg|abbr=on}}, roughly comparable to a Category 3 or 4 hurricane. The storm had been deemed life-threatening by many people.<ref name=life>{{cite news|last=Santo|first=Michael|title=The storm approaching Western Alaska deemed life-threatening|url=http://www.huliq.com/3257/storm-approaching-western-alaska-deemed-life-threatening|accessdate=9 November 2011|date=9 November 2011}}</ref> The storm had a forward speed of at least {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} before it had reached Alaska.<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{cite news|title=Hurricane-force storm bears down on Alaskan coast|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57320809/hurricane-force-storm-bears-down-on-alaskan-coast/|accessdate=9 November 2011|date=8 November 2011|work=CBS News}}</ref> The storm began affecting Alaska in the late hours of 8 November 2011. The highest gust recorded was {{convert|89|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} which was recorded in [[Wales, Alaska]]. One person has been reported missing after being swept into the [[Bering Sea]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Troopers: Man may have been swept away in AK storm|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Troopers-Man-may-have-been-swept-away-in-AK-storm-2262259.php|accessdate=10 November 2011|date=10 November|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|first=Rachel|last=D'oro}}</ref> |
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== Preparations == |
== Preparations == |
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On |
On 7 and 8 November, the NWS issued hurricane wind warnings, flood warnings and blizzard warnings for most of Western Alaska. The storm comes after almost 7,000 people in the [[Kenai Peninsula]] lost power in a previous storm the week before.<ref name="without power">{{cite news|title=Storm leaves thousands without power on Kenai Peninsula|url=http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/storm-leaves-thousands-without-power-kenai-peninsula|accessdate=8 November 2011|date=3 November 2011}}</ref> An Alaskan village called Kivalina recently built a wall to protect waves from flooding the village. This storm should test the walls sturdiness.<ref name="life"/> In case the wall falls down, people who live in Kivalina will be evacuated.<ref name="cbsnews.com"/> Storm surges are expected to be up to 8–10 feet. The [[U.S. Coast Guard]] staged helicopters around the western coast of Alaska in case of any emergencies.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dan Whitcomb|first=Peter Bohan|title=Alaskans brace for huge storm to strike western coast|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/08/us-storm-alaska-idUSTRE7A787U20111108|accessdate=9 November 2011|work=Reuters|date=8 November 2011}}</ref> People in [[Unalakleet]], Alaska began to board up their windows on 8 November.<ref>{{cite news|last=Land|first=Ted|title=Western Alaska Braces for Storm|url=http://www.ktuu.com/news/western-alaska-braces-for-storm-20111108,0,5426958.story|accessdate=9 November 2011|date=9 November 2011}}</ref> The Alaskan Homeland Security helped villages prepare for the storm.<ref>{{cite news|last=Feidt|first=Annie|title=Communities Prepare for Storm|url=http://www.alaskapublic.org/2011/11/08/communities-prepare-for-storm/|accessdate=9 November 2011|date=9 November 2011}}</ref> |
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== Impact == |
== Impact == |
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From |
From 8 November, temperatures around Alaska began decreasing. In Anchorage, temperatures the previous day were {{convert|18|F|C}}, but temperatures began decreasing to {{convert|6|F|C}} during the afternoon. In Nome, AK, tides had risen up to {{convert|7|ft|m}},<ref>{{cite news|last=Samenow|first=Jason|title=Alaska storm brings epic wind, waves, coastal flooding and snow|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/alaska-storm-brings-epic-wind-waves-coastal-flooding-and-snow/2011/11/09/gIQA8gNb5M_blog.html|accessdate=9 November 2011|date=9 November|work=The Washington Post}}</ref> with waters moving up to bases of peoples homes.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lendon|first=Brad|title=Arctic 'hurricane' slams Alaska|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/09/arctic-hurricane-slams-alaska/?hpt=hp_t3|accessdate=9 November 2011|date=9 November 2011|work=CNN}}</ref> Windchill temperatures south of Kivalina were {{convert|-14.1|F|C}} with winds gusting to {{convert|70|mph|km/h}}. Many low-lying areas experienced flooding, including Nome.<ref>{{cite news|title=Snow, hurricane-force winds batter Alaska coast|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57322078/snow-hurricane-force-winds-batter-alaska-coast/ | work=CBS News}}</ref> |
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== Aftermath == |
== Aftermath == |
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Forecasters at the NWS predicted a second strong storm; however, the forecast storm was not expected to cause as much damage. Other low-pressure areas spawned by this storm were expected to bring heavy rain to [[British Columbia]] and the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Alaska storm of 'epic proportions' may hit B.C.|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/11/10/alaska-storm-british-columbia.html|publisher=CBC | date=11 November 2011}}</ref> On November |
Forecasters at the NWS predicted a second strong storm; however, the forecast storm was not expected to cause as much damage. Other low-pressure areas spawned by this storm were expected to bring heavy rain to [[British Columbia]] and the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Alaska storm of 'epic proportions' may hit B.C.|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/11/10/alaska-storm-british-columbia.html|publisher=CBC | date=11 November 2011}}</ref> On 11 November 2011, the National Weather Service issued hurricane-force wind warnings and storm warnings for Western [[Alaska]] with coastal flood warnings for the [[Alaska Peninsula]]. The second storm attained a low pressure of {{convert|954|mb|inHg}} on 12 November 2011. |
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The storm caused widespread damage to approximately 37 communities on the Western Alaskan coast. Damage included coastal erosion caused by [[storm surge]], roof and other structural damage to homes and businesses, and loss of heat and electricity.<ref name=storm/> |
The storm caused widespread damage to approximately 37 communities on the Western Alaskan coast. Damage included coastal erosion caused by [[storm surge]], roof and other structural damage to homes and businesses, and loss of heat and electricity.<ref name=storm/> |
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A fishing vessel was lost in the severe weather after the crew was ordered to abandon ship. The crew was rescued by the [[United States Coast Guard]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Nochlin|first=Erica|title=Enduring 45-foot waves, local man survives storm in Bering Sea|url=http://www.katu.com/news/local/133675323.html|accessdate=11 November 2011|date=10 November 2011}}</ref> |
A fishing vessel was lost in the severe weather after the crew was ordered to abandon ship. The crew was rescued by the [[United States Coast Guard]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Nochlin|first=Erica|title=Enduring 45-foot waves, local man survives storm in Bering Sea|url=http://www.katu.com/news/local/133675323.html|accessdate=11 November 2011|date=10 November 2011}}</ref> |
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On |
On 22 December, President [[Barack Obama]] issued a disaster declaration due to the large destruction from the storm.<ref name="obama disaster">{{cite news | url=http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/president-declares-bering-sea-mega-storm-disaster-western-alaska | title=President declares Bering Sea 'mega storm' disaster in Western Alaska | date=22 December 2011 | agency=Alaska Dispatch | accessdate=26 December 2011}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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[[Category:Weather events in the United States]] |
[[Category:Weather events in the United States]] |
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Revision as of 09:18, 26 March 2012
| File:2011 Bering Sea superstorm on 8 November.jpg Satellite image of the storm intensifying on November 8 | |
| Type | Extratropical |
|---|---|
| Formed | 6 November 2011 |
| Dissipated | 11 November 2011[1] |
| Lowest pressure | 943 millibars (27.8 inHg) |
| Fatalities | 0 |
| Damage | Unknown |
The 2011 Bering Sea superstorm was an extratropical cyclone that affected western Alaska. On 8 November, the National Weather Service (NWS) began issuing severe weather warnings, saying that this was a near record (or record) storm in the Bering Sea.[2] It rapidly deepened from 973 mb (28.7 inHg) to 948 mb (28.0 inHg) in just 24 hours before bottoming out at 943 mb (27.8 inHg), roughly comparable to a Category 3 or 4 hurricane. The storm had been deemed life-threatening by many people.[3] The storm had a forward speed of at least 60 mph (97 km/h) before it had reached Alaska.[4] The storm began affecting Alaska in the late hours of 8 November 2011. The highest gust recorded was 89 mph (143 km/h) which was recorded in Wales, Alaska. One person has been reported missing after being swept into the Bering Sea.[5]
Preparations
On 7 and 8 November, the NWS issued hurricane wind warnings, flood warnings and blizzard warnings for most of Western Alaska. The storm comes after almost 7,000 people in the Kenai Peninsula lost power in a previous storm the week before.[6] An Alaskan village called Kivalina recently built a wall to protect waves from flooding the village. This storm should test the walls sturdiness.[3] In case the wall falls down, people who live in Kivalina will be evacuated.[4] Storm surges are expected to be up to 8–10 feet. The U.S. Coast Guard staged helicopters around the western coast of Alaska in case of any emergencies.[7] People in Unalakleet, Alaska began to board up their windows on 8 November.[8] The Alaskan Homeland Security helped villages prepare for the storm.[9]
Impact
From 8 November, temperatures around Alaska began decreasing. In Anchorage, temperatures the previous day were 18 °F (−8 °C), but temperatures began decreasing to 6 °F (−14 °C) during the afternoon. In Nome, AK, tides had risen up to 7 feet (2.1 m),[10] with waters moving up to bases of peoples homes.[11] Windchill temperatures south of Kivalina were −14.1 °F (−25.6 °C) with winds gusting to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). Many low-lying areas experienced flooding, including Nome.[12]
Aftermath
Forecasters at the NWS predicted a second strong storm; however, the forecast storm was not expected to cause as much damage. Other low-pressure areas spawned by this storm were expected to bring heavy rain to British Columbia and the West Coast of the United States.[13] On 11 November 2011, the National Weather Service issued hurricane-force wind warnings and storm warnings for Western Alaska with coastal flood warnings for the Alaska Peninsula. The second storm attained a low pressure of 954 millibars (28.2 inHg) on 12 November 2011.
The storm caused widespread damage to approximately 37 communities on the Western Alaskan coast. Damage included coastal erosion caused by storm surge, roof and other structural damage to homes and businesses, and loss of heat and electricity.[1]
A fishing vessel was lost in the severe weather after the crew was ordered to abandon ship. The crew was rescued by the United States Coast Guard.[14]
On 22 December, President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration due to the large destruction from the storm.[15]
References
- ^ a b D'Oro, Rachel (11 November 2011). "Huge storm leaves Alaska's western coast". Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- ^ Samenow, Jason (8 November 2011). "Alaska storm to produce "historic" hurricane-like conditions". The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 November 2011.
- ^ a b Santo, Michael (9 November 2011). "The storm approaching Western Alaska deemed life-threatening". Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ a b "Hurricane-force storm bears down on Alaskan coast". CBS News. 8 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ D'oro, Rachel (10 November). "Troopers: Man may have been swept away in AK storm". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Storm leaves thousands without power on Kenai Peninsula". 3 November 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2011.
- ^ Dan Whitcomb, Peter Bohan (8 November 2011). "Alaskans brace for huge storm to strike western coast". Reuters. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ Land, Ted (9 November 2011). "Western Alaska Braces for Storm". Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ Feidt, Annie (9 November 2011). "Communities Prepare for Storm". Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ Samenow, Jason (9 November). "Alaska storm brings epic wind, waves, coastal flooding and snow". The Washington Post. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Lendon, Brad (9 November 2011). "Arctic 'hurricane' slams Alaska". CNN. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
- ^ "Snow, hurricane-force winds batter Alaska coast". CBS News.
- ^ "Alaska storm of 'epic proportions' may hit B.C." CBC. 11 November 2011.
- ^ Nochlin, Erica (10 November 2011). "Enduring 45-foot waves, local man survives storm in Bering Sea". Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- ^ "President declares Bering Sea 'mega storm' disaster in Western Alaska". Alaska Dispatch. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 26 December 2011.