Communities in Alaska, including Nome, prepare for former Typhoon Halong, remembering the devastation of Typhoon Merbok. Nome's proactive approach, learned from past experiences, helped mitigate severe impacts. Lessons are still being learned and the importance of storm preparedness is emphasized, even among young students.
ANCHORAGE, AK - Forty-nine communities, many of which experienced significant impacts from former Typhoon Merbok three years ago, were recently also hit by former Typhoon Halong . Remembering the first-hand impacts of a former typhoon, Nome , Alaska , took proactive measures as soon as Halong was in the forecast, including boarding windows, closing businesses, and watching the weather forecast closely.
“We definitely have been more proactive than reactive,” Jim West Jr., Chief of the Nome Fire Department, said. ”It’s just been all hands on deck, just getting ready, getting equipment ready, just in case that it did hit us as bad as it did for Merbok.” Fortunately, the storm shifted just enough to spare Nome from the most severe impacts this time, but lessons are still being learned. At Nome Elementary, even the youngest residents of Nome are acutely aware of the power of these former typhoons. Despite Merbok occurring as much as half their lifetime ago for some, the students still understand the importance of preparing for storms. Chief Meteorologist Melissa Frey joined Nome Elementary School for an assembly about the weather, broadcasting, and connection to culture.LATEST: Kipnuk, Kwigillingok evacuations complete one week after ex-Typhoon Halong strikes Alaska, state says ‘We started drifting away and going in circles’: Descriptions of homes being lifted and carried away with people inside2025 Great Alaska ShakeOut reminds the state to Drop, Cover and Hold On
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