Cities are bracing for high winds and flooding and bracing for possible power outages from a storm forecasters are calling one of the worst in recent state history. The storm systems continued to “produce a potentially historic and long-lasting storm surge and damaging high winds across southwest and western Alaska,” the National Weather Service said Saturday. The remnants of Typhoon Merbok are expected to bring moderate to heavy rain to the region by Sunday morning. On Saturday morning, a “very angry sea” brought storm surge to the Port of Nome community, the Weather Service station in Fairbanks, Alaska, tweeted. Wind gusts could reach hurricane force in some areas, Weather Service forecasters say. Significant coastal flooding is expected until Sunday morning, with the highest water levels on Saturday afternoon, the Met Office said.

On Saturday, photos showed streets in Golovin, Alaska, covered in floodwaters and high tides reaching homes, causing some homes to float off their foundations, the Weather Service station in Fairbanks, Alaska, said. Golovin, Alaska is a small town about 70 miles east of Nome. Other photos show flooded vehicles and a building stuck under a bridge after it was lifted off its foundation. ‘HISTORIC LEVEL STORM’: Alaska braces for flooding, power outages Possible wind gusts of 50 to 75 mph could also uproot trees, damage roofs and buildings and lead to major power outages, according to AccuWeather. The storm will also create “life-threatening conditions” for fishing operations, AccuWeather said, warning small boats to stay in port. No injuries were reported as of Saturday afternoon, Dunleavy said on Twitter.

“One of the strongest storms ever to hit the state,” forecasters say

The storm’s effects could exceed the 2011 superstorm, one of the strongest hurricanes to hit Alaska in history, the National Weather Service in Fairbanks said, adding that some parts of the state could experience the worst coastal flooding in nearly 50 years. years. The story continues AccuWeather called it “one of the strongest storms ever to hit the state of Alaska.” The storm is expected to calm down later in the weekend as it drifts into the Arctic Circle, AccuWeather said, adding that most of the storm’s impact will be concentrated in western and northern Alaska. Other parts of the state, including Fairbanks and Anchorage, may see some rain Sunday night into Monday, according to AccuWeather’s forecast. This image provided by the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a satellite view over Alaska, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. TROPICAL STORM FIONA FORM: Storm headed for Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Fiona hits Puerto Rico

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fiona is expected to dump up to 16 inches of rain on parts of Puerto Rico on Saturday, threatening severe flooding, landslides and power outages. The storm is expected to become a hurricane as it nears Puerto Rico, having just hit the eastern Caribbean islands. One death was reported Saturday in Guadeloupe, a French territory in the southern Caribbean Sea. Authorities in Puerto Rico opened shelters and closed public beaches, theaters and museums, urging people to stay indoors. Contributed by The Associated Press Contact News Now reporter Christine Fernando at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern. This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: Alaska braces for powerful storm as remnants of Hurricane Merbok approach