STATE OF ALASKA
DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT 03-362 (as of 11:00 AM December 28, 2003) Homeland Security Advisory System – National Level: Orange-High U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security Advisory System – Alaska Level: Orange-High Alaska Division of Homeland Security
State Emergency Coordination Center Preparedness Level: 2-Heightened Sense of Awareness Alaska Division of Emergency Services
Military installations in Alaska are at FPCON B.
Current Internet Threat Level: 1-Regular Vigilance Internet Security Systems
State Emergency Coordination Center (SECC) Operations: To reach the SECC dial (907) 428-7100 or 1-888-462-7100, 24 hours per day. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has a web site available for information on emergency topics at http://www.ak-prepared.com and Homeland Security information at http://www.ak-prepared.com/homelandsecurity/. For further information: Countries: U.S. State Department Background Notes. Maps: United Nations Cartographic Section Terrorist Groups: Background Information on Foreign Terrorist Organizations Background Information on Other Terrorist Groups. State of Alaska Situation Winter Weather Warning The National Weather Service Fairbanks has issued winter weather warnings for the following: Blizzard warning in effect today through Monday for the Western Arctic Coast including, Wainwright, Atqasuk, Point Lay and Cape Lisburne. East winds gusting to 55 mph combined with blowing and falling snow will produce near-zero visibilities in blizzard conditions through Monday. Wind speeds will diminish gradually Monday night to ease the blizzard threat. Blizzard warning in effect today through Monday for the Central Beaufort Sea Coast, Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, Kaktovik and Flaxman Island. East winds gusting to 55 mph combined with blowing and drifting snow will produce near-zero visibilities in blizzard conditions through Monday evening. Wind speeds will diminish gradually by Tuesday morning to ease the blizzard threat. Heavy snow warning tonight and Monday for the Lower Yukon Valley including Marshall, Russian Mission, Holy Cross, Grayling, Shageluk, Anvik, Flat and the Lower Koyukuk and Middle Yukon Valleys including Galena, Nulato, Huslia, Kaltag, Ruby and Koyukuk. Heavy snow will develop over the Lower Yukon Valley, Lower Koyukuk and Middle Yukon Valleys tonight and continue through Monday as strong low pressure moves northeastward over southwest Alaska tonight and Monday. 6 to 10 inches of snow are expected to fall over the region before the snow diminishes Monday night. The heaviest snowfall is expected to fall over the Nulato Hills. High wind warning in effect this afternoon through Monday for Denali including Healy, Denali National Park, Carlo Creek, and Kantishna. South winds will increase to 40 mph this afternoon with gusts to 55 mph through the Alaska Range passes. Winds will remain strong and gusty through Monday before decreasing Monday night. High wind warning in effect tonight through Monday for the Eastern Alaska Range including Black Rapids, Donnelly Dome, Trims Camp Eagle Trail and Mineral Lake. South winds will increase to 40 mph through the passes this afternoon and gust to 55 mph overnight tonight. Winds will remain strong and gusty through Monday before decreasing Monday night. The National Weather Service Anchorage has issued a heavy snow and high wind warnings for the following: Heavy snow warning for the Alaska Range west of Parks and highway and north of Big Lake through Monday including Talkeetna, Willow and Cantwell. Snow will begin today along the Alaska and will continue heavy at times through Monday. Look for up to 24 to 36 inches of new snowfall by early Monday. High wind warning tonight through Monday for higher elevations and Turnagain Arm including Anchorage, Eagle River, Indian and Eklutna. East winds will increase to 30 to 50 mph gusting to 80 mph at times starting this evening for Turnagain Arm and higher elevations. Winds diminishing early on Monday. Areas of blowing and drifting snow can be expected with this weather system reducing visibilities at times to near blizzard conditions in Turnagain Arm. High wind warning along the Matanuska River late this evening through Monday including Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton and Chickaloon, Northeast winds will increase to 30 to 50 mph gusting to 80 mph at times starting this evening along the Matanuska River. Winds diminishing early on Monday. Areas of blowing and drifting snow can be expected with this weather system reducing visibilities at times to near blizzard conditions along the Matanuska River. High wind warning for the Western Prince William Sound including Whittier, Seward, Girdwood and Moose Pass. East winds will increase to 30 to 50 mph gusting to 80 mph at times starting this afternoon for Turnagain Arm and the Portage Valley. Winds diminishing early on Monday. Areas of blowing and drifting snow can be expected with this weather system reducing visibilities at times to near blizzard conditions in Turnagain Arm and the Portage Valley. The next Situation Report will be published as of 11:00 AM, December 29, 2003. If there is significant change in the situation or the threat level, a report will be published when the change occurs. Direct questions regarding this report to Jerry J. Koenig at 907-428-7049 or jerry_koenig@ak-prepared.com. |