Weather Alert in Alaska
Hydrologic Outlook issued August 27 at 2:38PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
AREAS AFFECTED: Anchorage; Anchorage Hillside / Eagle River; East Turnagain Arm; Portage; Lower Matanuska Valley; Hatcher Pass; Sutton / Upper Matanuska Valley; Eureka / Tahneta Pass; Southern Kachemak Bay; SW Kenai Peninsula; NW Kenai Peninsula; Skilak Lake; Southern Kenai Mtns; Interior Kenai Peninsula; Turnagain Pass; West Prince William Sound & Whittier; Tyonek; Valdez; Thompson Pass; Cordova; Western Susitna Valley; Southern Susitna Valley; Central Susitna Valley; Northern Susitna Valley
DESCRIPTION: ESFAFC Rainfall * Eastern Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound: 2 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts in higher terrain. * Mat-Su Valley: 1.5 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts. The highest rainfall totals are likely to be across the northern Susitna Valley. * Western Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage: 1 to 2 inches of rainfall with the heaviest rainfall occuring adjacent to Cook Inlet. Downsloping at times may result in localized lower amounts immediately west of the mountains. Hydrologic Concerns * Expect sharp rises on many small streams and rivers. Many smaller streams will crest Thursday night into Friday while larger rivers or downstream points may crest Friday and Saturday. Higher than normal water levels may continue through Labor Day Weekend into next week. * Many lower locations along rivers such as gravel bars and other spots popular for camping and recreating are likely to become inundated with water. * Heavy rain may result in localized ponding in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage. Confidence and Next Steps * Confidence is high that a multi-day heavy rainfall event will occur across Southcentral Alaska, with the northern Susitna Valley and Prince William Sound receiving the heaviest rainfall. Confidence is medium regarding rainfall totals and placement of heaviest rainfall. If forecast rainfall totals hold or increase, flood watches may be needed for portions of the Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su Valley, or elsewhere. * Residents along area streams as well as river users and recreationists should anticipate higher than normal water levels and are advised to monitor weather and river forecasts. * Reports on river conditions may be sent to the river forecast center by calling 1-800-847-1739.
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Weather Topic: What are Nimbostratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Nimbostratus Clouds
Next Topic: Precipitation
A nimbostratus cloud is similar to a stratus cloud in its formless,
smooth appearance. However, a nimbostratus cloud is darker than a stratus cloud,
because it is thicker.
Unlike a stratus cloud, a nimbostratus cloud typically brings with it the threat
of moderate to heavy precipitation. In some cases, the precipitation may evaporate
before reaching the ground, a phenomenon known as virga.
Next Topic: Precipitation
Weather Topic: What is Rain?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Rain
Next Topic: Shelf Clouds
Precipitation in the form of water droplets is called rain.
Rain generally has a tendency to fall with less intensity over a greater period
of time, and when rainfall is more severe it is usually less sustained.
Rain is the most common form of precipitation and happens with greater frequency
depending on the season and regional influences. Cities have been shown to have
an observable effect on rainfall, due to an effect called the urban heat island.
Compared to upwind, monthly rainfall between twenty and forty miles downwind of
cities is 30% greater.
Next Topic: Shelf Clouds
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