National Weather Service Alaska

As Alaska’s rivers begin to break up each spring, conditions can change quickly.

During Flood Preparedness Week, we’re taking a closer look at River Watch, an aerial survey program that tracks river ice breakup and helps communities stay informed.

In this video, hydrologist Crane Johnson explains how breakup can lead to ice jam flooding, why it’s difficult to predict, and how forecasters work with communities across Alaska to provide critical, real-time information.

Watch now to learn how River Watch helps protect life and property during breakup season and why local observations play such an important role.

#FloodPreparednessWeek #RiverWatch #AlaskaWeather

1 month ago | [YT] | 2

National Weather Service Alaska

The final numbers are in for the Pacific Islands’ March 2026 climate conditions.

In this video, Senior Climate Scientist Brian Brettschneider reviews how the month unfolded across the region, including rainfall patterns, ocean temperatures, wind anomalies, and large-scale atmospheric conditions.

Overall, March was marked by extreme rainfall events, including record-setting totals in Hawaii and Guam, along with unusually warm ocean temperatures and rare low wind conditions across parts of the Pacific.

Watch the full monthly recap below to learn more about what made this month stand out.

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

National Weather Service Alaska

On this date in 1945, Anchorage experienced one of its strongest windstorms on record.

Weather Bureau records show:
🌬️ Elmendorf Field measured a 100 mph wind gust
🌬️ Merrill Field reached 98 mph

A climatological summary from April 1945 also notes sustained winds to 43 mph with gusts over 70 mph in Anchorage, along with widespread minor damage.

The strongest wind events at Anchorage’s airport locations are typically associated with cold, northerly wind patterns.

While stronger winds have been recorded in more recent years on the Hillside, this remains one of the most extreme wind events documented at lower-elevation sites in Anchorage.

These images include the original observation log, newspaper headline, and climatological summary from the storm.

#akwx #alaskaweather #anchorage

1 month ago | [YT] | 16

National Weather Service Alaska

Tsunamis are a real and ever-present threat to coastal Alaska, and they can happen with little to no warning.

In this episode of Alaska Weather Facts, experts from the ‪@USTsunamiWarningCenter‬ and the ‪@NWSAnchorage‬ explain how tsunami alerts work, what’s changed with emergency alert messaging, and most importantly, how you can recognize natural warning signs and stay safe.

📺 Watch now to learn what to do when seconds matter.

#AlaskaWeather #TsunamiSafety #BePrepared

2 months ago | [YT] | 2

National Weather Service Alaska

Facebook and YouTube Post Text:
🌊 Landslides can trigger tsunamis, and it has happened here in Alaska.

In August 2025, a landslide in Tracy Arm generated a tsunami in the fjord. No one was hurt, but it was a powerful reminder of the risks in Alaska’s steep coastal terrain.

In Part 3 of our Alaska Weather and Water Facts series, we talk with Dave Snider from the National Tsunami Warning Center about another area scientists are watching closely: the Barry Arm landslide in Prince William Sound.

🎥 Watch Part 3 of our Alaska Weather and Water Facts series.
Missed Part 1? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/KPodlkP2kAg
Missed Part 2? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/bJ-tHxz-vNY

#TsunamiReady #TsunamiPreparednessWeek

2 months ago | [YT] | 5

National Weather Service Alaska

🌊 It is Tsunami Preparedness Week in Alaska. How do tsunami warnings actually work? And how fast do they have to be issued?

In Part 2 of our Alaska Weather and Water Facts series, we talk with Dave Snider from the National Tsunami Warning Center about what happens behind the scenes when a potential tsunami is detected.

A few key takeaways:
🔹 Tsunami alerts go out in under 5 minutes after an earthquake.
🔹 Scientists are constantly monitoring seismic activity around the world.
🔹 Tsunami alerting takes a team of experts from many different fields working together.

Tsunamis may be rare, but the work to detect and warn never stops.

🎥 Watch Part 2 of our Alaska Weather and Water Facts series.
👉 Up next: Part 3, where we look at landslide tsunami risks here in Alaska.


Missed Part 1? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/KPodlkP2kAg

#TsunamiReady #TsunamiPreparednessWeek

2 months ago | [YT] | 5

National Weather Service Alaska

🌊 It is Tsunami Preparedness Week in Alaska. What is a tsunami? What causes them? And how can you stay safe?

We sat down with Dave Snider from the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, to talk about tsunami basics, natural warning signs, and what everyone who lives, works, or visits the coast should know.

Did you know?
🔹 Tsunamis aren’t just one wave. They can come in a series over hours.
🔹 The first wave may not be the largest.
🔹 Natural warning signs like strong shaking or unusual ocean behavior mean don’t wait. Move to higher ground immediately.

Tsunamis are rare, but they can happen here in Alaska. Being prepared can save lives.

🎥 Watch Part 1 of our Alaska Weather and Water Facts series.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we take a closer look at how tsunami warnings are issued.

#TsunamiReady #TsunamiPreparednessWeek

2 months ago | [YT] | 3

National Weather Service Alaska

✅ That’s a wrap on Winter Weather Preparedness Week! Thanks for following along as we covered key Alaska winter hazards, from snow and ice to avalanches and power outages. A few final reminders:

📍 Get your local forecast at weather.gov/Alaska to stay ahead of storms, cold snaps, and changing conditions.

📻 NOAA Weather Radio is your backup when cell towers are down or the power goes out. It broadcasts official weather forecasts, warnings, and emergency info 24/7, especially critical in remote or coastal areas prone to outages. Make sure you have one with battery backup!

📢 Always follow instructions from local officials during severe weather. Whether it's evacuation guidance, travel advisories, or local warming shelters, they provide critical info tailored to your community.

🔗 weather.gov/safety/winter
🔗 www.ready.gov/winter-weather
#AKwx #WinterReady #WinterWeatherPreparednessWeek

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7 months ago | [YT] | 9

National Weather Service Alaska

❄️ Shovel Smart! Heavy, wet snow can lead to back injuries or even heart attacks. Don’t overdo it this winter. Here’s how to stay safe while clearing snow:

✅ Dress warmly. Cover your head, hands, and feet.
✅ Stay hydrated, but avoid big meals before or after.
✅ Lift only small amounts at a time.
✅ Take breaks and listen to your body.

If you're feeling tired, stop. Your health is more important than a cleared driveway.

🔗 weather.gov/safety/winter
#AKwx #WinterReady #WinterWeatherPreparednessWeek

7 months ago | [YT] | 4

National Weather Service Alaska

❄️ Ever wonder how to measure snow the right way? Accurate snow reports help the National Weather Service provide better forecasts, warnings, and data. Here's how you can help—from setup to reporting!

🔹 Use a ruler and a flat white board (like 24"x24")
🔹 Place it in an open area, away from trees and buildings
🔹 Measure at the same time daily, to the nearest tenth of an inch
🔹 Wipe the board after each measurement
🔹 Report your totals to the NWS!

🔗weather.gov/safety/winter
#WinterReady #AKwx #WinterWeatherPreparednessWeek

7 months ago | [YT] | 4