UPDATE: Juneau, Alaska is bracing for another round of heavy snow and rain as residents scramble to manage the effects of recent record-breaking snowfall. With 82 inches of snow recorded in December alone, local authorities have declared a state of emergency as the city prepares for an additional 8-16 inches of snow through Friday.
Residents are struggling to clear roofs and boats from the immense snow accumulation, with some claiming, “There’s nowhere to put it.” The situation escalated as snow began falling again Wednesday afternoon, leading the City and Borough of Juneau to issue an urgent local disaster declaration. Governor Mike Dunleavy quickly followed suit with a state disaster declaration, mobilizing emergency resources to alleviate the crisis.
Local resident Tom Skinner described the overwhelming scenario: “We have these industrial size snow blowers and they blow it in the back of a semi. We have a big, huge parking lot over by the glacier, and that’s where they’re going to be dumping the majority of the snow.” The heavy snow has already caused roofs to collapse across the city, leading to urgent calls for residents to clear snow from their properties to prevent further damage.
As cleanup efforts continue, the threat of flooding looms large. Meteorologists are predicting a transition from snow to rain, with up to 3 inches of rain expected Friday night. This combination of melting snow and heavy rainfall poses a significant risk of flooding, particularly in areas with deep snowpack.
The U.S. Coast Guard has already responded to multiple incidents of sinking vessels in the harbor, warning that heavy snow can quickly destabilize boats. “Heavy snow can quickly reduce stability and cause vessels to sink, leading to property damage and pollution,” officials stated.
The unusual weather patterns that have led to this severe winter are attributed to an amplified jet stream along the Alaskan Panhandle. Meteorologists from AccuWeather explained that a series of moisture-laden storms have impacted the region in waves, resulting in historically high snowfall amounts.
The forecast remains grim, with more storms expected next week, exacerbating the already critical situation. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations as emergency services in Juneau gear up for what could be a prolonged battle against the elements.
As Juneau faces these new challenges, the community’s resilience will be tested further. With emotional stakes high and property at risk, residents are doing everything they can to prepare for the next wave of winter weather.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this situation develops.
