WEST COAST ALASKA
STORM RESPONSE 2025
STORM RESPONSE 2025
Situation Update - West Coast Storm Response
October 21, 2025
Many of you have been following our response to the Alaska West Coast Storm. Last week, we had 12 drone teams in the field assessing damage in 37 communities that sustained wind and flooding damage to roads, bridges, homes and community infrastructure. You might not associate drones with a transportation agency, but we’re leveraging technology to do more, and supporting our employees when they want to take on new skills. This video was put together by one of our newest drone operators, Eli Kesten-Brackett. Thank you Eli, and all of our drone operators, for dropping everything and jumping on a plane with only a few hours notice to support Alaskans who needed your expertise.
Situation Update - Rebuild Update
October 20, 2025
In under two weeks, we’ve developed 20 scopes of work in 16 communities, mobilizing 7 contractors for storm recovery.
Tonight at 11:00 p.m. our next barge arrives at Kwigillingok hauling 800 tons materals and a D5 dozer.
The State of Alaska team has initiated repair activities, working quickly to restore access and support essential services for residents. Together, we’re streamlining processes, working smarter, and bringing the full resources of government to help Western Alaska recover and strengthen community resilience in the days ahead.
Thank you to Alaska’s contracting community for your continued efforts, barging in materials, mobilizing crews, and completing critical repairs across Western Alaska.
Situation Update - West Coast Storm Response
October 18, 2025
Gravel arrives by barge in Kwigillingok, Alaska.
Today (10/18), Cruz Construction, Inc. delivered 680 tons of material by barge across Kuskokwim Bay to begin emergency repairs in the community and at the Kwigillingok Airport, following the storm that hit on October 12, 2025.
The State of Alaska team has initiated repair activities, working quickly to restore access and support essential services for residents.
We’re committed to bringing the full resources of government to help Western Alaska recover and strengthen community resilience in the days ahead.
Situation Update - West Coast Storm Response
October 17, 2025
State of Alaska officials visited the communities of Bethel, Kwigillingok, and Kipnuk earlier today to meet with community representatives, survey storm damage, and discuss next steps in recovery.
These visits are an important part of understanding the challenges faced by the families and communities that lost so much in the storm. The State of Alaska is committed to bringing the full resources of government to support recovery, rebuilding, and resilience across Western Alaska.
Situation Update - West Coast Storm Response
October 16, 2025
From our Bethel command post, DOT&PF drone teams and support staff are working to assess storm impacts and support recovery efforts.
We are honored to assist remain committed to reaching every community affected by the storm. Our teams are using advanced technology and local knowledge to ensure every flight and data point helps guide recovery where it's needed most.
If you've experienced damage, please report it using our Damage Assessment Hub. You can report all types of damage, not just transportation-related impacts. DOT&PF will share non-transportation reports with the State Emergency Operations Center to support a coordinated recovery. Every submission helps keep our communitie safe, connected, and moving forward.
Road Closure - West Coast Storm
October 16, 2025
Road Closure Alert: Ted Stevens Way in Kotzebue
Ted Stevens Way os currently closed from the first bridge through the second bridge until DOT&PF crews can repair an area of undercut asphalt.
What is undercut asphalt?
It happens when erosion removes the supporting material beneath the pavement, leaving the asphalt unstable and at risk of collapsing under weight.
For everyone's saftey, please avoid this area until repairs are complete. Our crews are working hard to resotre the roadway before winter, and our bridge team is inspecting the bridges to enusre it's safe for future travel.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
For updates, visit 511.alaska.gov
Team Update - West Coast Storm
October 15, 2025
Our Alaska DOT&PF team is deeply committed to supporting Alaska’s coastal communities as they recover from the West Coast storm.
In the photo, our drone operator visits with local kids between missions to demonstrate how new technology is helping our crews assess damage and strengthen response efforts. These connections remind us that innovation is most powerful when it serves people.
Through our Esri-powered workspace, DOT&PF teams are using real-time tools and data to coordinate recovery statewide — guided by our values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Safety.
We are honored to assist and remain committed in reaching every community affected by the storm.
Team Update - West Coast Storm Assessment Team
October 15, 2025
Today’s mission centers on coordinated field operations across the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, with Bethel as the primary base.
Ten two-person teams are in the field conducting community assessments, drone mapping, and data collection in priority locations.
Sincere appreciation is extended to the Kipnuk Village Safety Officer, AVCP, the State Emergency Operations Center, and community partners for their collaboration and support.
We are honored to assist and remain committed to reaching every community affected by the storm.
Airport Situation Update - Typhoon Halong
October 14, 2025
Kipnuk Airport is open following repair work completed by our Maintenance & Operations team.
With this effort, all runways across the region are now open and operational.
About 82% of Alaska communities are inaccessible by road and depend on aviation for year-round access, making this milestone vital for community connectivity and recovery.
Some airport lighting impacts remain, and Maintenance & Operations crews continue restoring infrastructure in storm-affected areas.
Alaska DOT&PF is honored to assist and remains committed to reaching every community affected by the storm.
Situation Update - Typhoon Halong
October 14, 2025
The 2025 West Coast Storm caused widespread damage across Western #Alaska, impacting more than 50 community airports and essential transportation routes.
The Department of Transportation & Public Facilities mobilized immediately following the storm to assess impacts and support local communities. Our teams are on the ground and in the air—documenting damage and working to restore access for ALASKA.
Because this region isn’t connected to the continuous road system, airports are a vital lifeline. We’re focused on restoring these critical links as quickly and safely as possible.
As seen in this video, airports like Kipnuk experienced flooding and runway damage, including visible surface cracks and high waters.
Using advanced drone and communication systems, DOT&PF crews are capturing real-time imagery to evaluate infrastructure conditions and coordinate with the State Emergency Operations Center. This technology helps response teams make faster, better-informed decisions and reach even the most remote areas.
Our regional teams continue to work directly with local governments, emergency managers, and public safety officials to identify needs and restore essential routes. Maintenance & Operations staff are on scene and working in their communities to establish safe access where needed.
Together, we’re responding.
Video by Bethel M&O crews on October 13, 2025 of the Kipnuk Airport impacts from the storm.
For updated Press release: https://ready.alaska.gov/.
Press Conference
October 13, 2025
Governor Dunleavy Schedules Press Conference on West Coast Storm Response
October 13, 2025 (Anchorage, AK) – Today at 1:00 p.m., Governor Mike Dunleavy will hold a press conference on the joint state-federal relief effort underway in northwest Alaska for communities hit by the West Coast Storm. He will be joined by United States Senator Dan Sullivan, members of his cabinet, and federal officials from the National Weather Service and the United States Coast Guard.
WHO:
Governor Mike Dunleavy, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (teleconference), DMVA Commissioner Torrence Saxe, DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jim Cockrell, DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop, DHS&EM Incident Commander Mark Roberts, National Weather Service Meteorologist David Kramer, and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic Commanding Officer Captain Christopher Culpepper.
WHAT:
Press conference
WHEN:
Monday, October 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Streaming on the Governor's Facebook page with recording: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1axGrhSmFZ/
Situation Update - Typhoon Halong
October 11, 2025
Alaska DOT&PF, in coordination with other state agencies, is taking proactive steps to prepare for the next weather system moving in from a typhoon. Crews across Western and Northern Alaska are positioning materials, inspecting key sites, and coordinating with local partners and airports to ensure readiness.
We are working closely with the National Weather Service to stay informed of the latest forecasts and evolving conditions. Response teams are on standby, equipment and resources are being staged, and aerial assessments are underway to monitor conditions and support a rapid response once the storm arrives.
Alaska DOT&PF remains committed to keeping communities safe and maintaining resilient transportation infrastructure across the state.
Situation Update - West Coast Storm Impacting Northern Region
October 10, 2025
Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster for the 2025 West Coast Storm. This powerful system, driven by a tropical typhoon, pushed a significant sea surge into Western Alaska, inundating communities and impacting critical infrastructure and homes across the Northwest Arctic Borough.
During the storm, Alaska DOT&PF teams deployed drones to capture real-time imagery across the affected region. These rapid assessment flights provided the State Emergency Operations Center with a clear, up-to-date view of damage to roads, bridges, airports, and coastal infrastructure—enabling state leaders to act quickly, move resources efficiently, and direct protective measures where they were needed most.
By streaming drone data live through Flight Hub and Microsoft Teams, DOT&PF enhanced coordination among agencies and decision-makers, allowing for a smarter, faster, and more effective response. In times like this, Alaskans come together, work together, and respond together.
For official weather updates, visit the National Weather Service Fairbanks at weather.gov/afg. To read the press release about the disaster declaration, visit ready.alaska.gov/PublicInformation.
Situation Update - Typhoon Halong
October 9, 2025
Western Alaska communities have weathered one powerful storm, and another is on the way. The remnants of Typhoon Halong are on track to reach the Bering Sea this weekend, bringing the potential for strong winds, coastal flooding, and erosion.
Alaska DOT&PF crews, along with other state and federal partners, are preparing across the region to keep communities connected and safe. We are closely monitoring conditions and will respond as impacts develop.
Please stay informed and follow official updates from the National Weather Service Fairbanks at weather.gov/afg. For the latest road and travel information, visit 511.alaska.gov.
Situation Update - West Coast Storm Impacting Northern Region
October 8, 2025
A strong storm system is moving across western Alaska. Alaska DOT&PF crews are monitoring conditions closely and are prepared to respond as impacts develop. High winds, coastal flooding, and hazardous travel conditions are expected in some areas.
Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders issued by local officials. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately, as floodwaters can rise quickly and block access routes without warning. Those outside evacuation zones but in flood-prone areas should move to higher ground early to ensure safety. It is strongly advised not to walk or drive through flooded roads— even shallow water can be life-threatening.
Stay safe and stay informed by following official updates from the National Weather Service Fairbanks at weather.gov/afg. For current road conditions and travel advisories, visit 511.alaska.gov
Situation Update - West Coast Storm
October 7, 2025
We’re closely monitoring the latest weather reports and preparing to respond to potential impacts from this storm system. DOT&PF crews are ready to address damage and keep Alaska’s transportation network safe and open.
We are working closely with our State of Alaska partners to ensure a coordinated response, and are prepared to deploy specialized equipment and drones to assist with rapid assessments in affected areas.
We urge everyone to stay safe and stay informed by following official updates and hazard information from the National Weather Service Fairbanks at weather.gov/afg.
DOT&PF crews are on alert across Western Alaska, ready to respond as conditions develop. Working side by side with our state, local, and community partners, we are committed to keeping Alaska’s transportation network open and safe.