The Storm: Understanding Its Impact on the Tanana River Basin
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Understanding Storms in the Tanana River Basin
Storms are a powerful part of life in Alaska. In the Tanana River Basin, weather can change quickly, bringing rain, snow, strong winds, and sharp drops in temperature. Knowing what a storm may bring—and how to prepare—can help protect people, property, and the watershed.
How storms affect the watershed
Rain and melting snow flow across the land into streams and rivers, eventually reaching the Tanana River. Heavy precipitation can raise water levels, increase erosion, and carry sediment and other materials into waterways. Strong winds may damage trees and infrastructure, while winter storms can create difficult travel conditions and reduce visibility.
The effects depend on many factors, including the storm’s path, duration, and temperature. A warm storm may bring rain to areas that usually receive snow, while a cold system can turn wet roads icy. Local terrain and existing snowpack also influence how conditions develop from one place to another.
Stay informed and prepared
Before and during a storm, check current forecasts and official alerts for your area. Conditions can vary across the basin, so nearby observations may not reflect what is happening at your location. If travel is necessary, allow extra time and be prepared for changing road and weather conditions.
- Keep essential supplies, medications, and charged devices close at hand.
- Secure outdoor items that could be moved by strong winds.
- Avoid flooded roads and fast-moving water.
- Follow guidance from local emergency officials.
- Check on neighbors who may need assistance, when it is safe to do so.
Why local weather observations matter
Weather observations from across the Tanana River Basin can help reveal how a storm is developing and how conditions differ from place to place. Temperature, precipitation, and wind measurements provide useful context for residents, researchers, and others working to understand the region’s weather and watershed.
Storms cannot be controlled, but preparation and reliable information can make their impacts easier to manage. Staying alert to local conditions is an important step toward keeping communities safe and caring for the waterways and landscapes that connect the basin.
6 Essential Tips for Staying Safe During a Storm
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Charge phones and backup batteries.
- Keep water, food, and medicine handy.
- Avoid flooded roads and underpasses.
- Follow local weather alerts.
- Use flashlights instead of candles.
Stay indoors and away from windows.
During a storm, stay indoors and keep away from windows to reduce the risk of injury from flying debris or broken glass. Choose an interior room on the lowest practical level, and wait until local officials say it is safe to go outside.
Charge phones and backup batteries.
Before a storm arrives, charge your phone and any backup batteries or power banks. Power outages can make it harder to get updates, contact family, or call for help, so keep devices fully charged and store backup batteries somewhere easy to find. Use your phone’s battery-saving mode if the power goes out, and save battery for important calls and emergency alerts.
Keep water, food, and medicine handy.
Keep water, nonperishable food, and essential medicines handy before a storm arrives. Power outages, blocked roads, or severe weather may make it difficult to get supplies, so having enough for several days can help you and your household stay safe and comfortable. Store medicines in their original containers, and make sure everyone knows where the emergency supplies are kept.
Avoid flooded roads and underpasses.
Avoid flooded roads and underpasses during a storm. Even shallow-looking water can hide road damage or strong currents, and just a few inches may be enough to stall a vehicle. Turn around and choose a safer route—never drive or walk through floodwater.
Follow local weather alerts.
Follow local weather alerts to stay informed as a storm develops. Forecasts and conditions can change quickly, so check trusted local sources for warnings, updates, and safety guidance. Pay attention to alerts for your specific area, and be ready to adjust travel plans or take shelter if officials recommend it.
Use flashlights instead of candles.
Use flashlights instead of candles during a storm or power outage. Flashlights provide dependable light without an open flame, reducing the risk of fire—especially when wind, damaged wiring, or spilled fuel may create additional hazards. Keep flashlights and extra batteries in an easy-to-find place, and check them regularly so they’re ready when you need them.