Weather Alert in Alaska

Flood Watch issued August 2 at 7:09AM AKDT until August 4 at 3:00PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

AREAS AFFECTED: Lower Matanuska Valley; Sutton / Upper Matanuska Valley; Eureka / Tahneta Pass

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...The lower Matanuska River near Butte and Palmer as well as small rivers and streams between Sutton and Eureka. * WHEN...Through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall will lead to rapid runoff and rises in small streams draining the steep terrain along the Glenn Highway between Sutton and Eureka. Landslides are possible in landslide-prone areas along this corridor. Significant runoff is also expected to raise water levels on the Matanuska River, with some locations approaching bankfull by early Sunday morning. River levels may approach or even exceed those observed in early July, with increased bank erosion expected along the lower Matanuska River. While water levels may rise in small streams and rivers across the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, flooding is not expected west of the lower Matanuska River. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rain will continue across the western Copper River Basin and northern Matanuska Valley Saturday morning through Sunday morning. As of 4 AM this morning, 1.00" to 1.25" inches of rain has already fallen across the area. An additional 0.50" to 1.00" of rain is possible through Sunday morning, with projected rainfall totals with this storm likely around 1 to 2 inches from Mendeltna to Sutton. Precipitation will be enhanced near terrain and along the northeast facing slopes of the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains. The heaviest rainfall is expected within the mountainous terrain along the Glenn Highway corridor between Sutton and Eureka. Ponding of water on roadways and erosion of unpaved surfaces is also possible. As of 4 AM Saturday morning, the Matanuska River at Palmer (MATA2) is at 16800 cfs and is expected to crest Sunday morning at 25100 cfs, which is below minor flood stage (30000 cfs). - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood - If you live near or along the Matanuska River, stay alert and be prepared to take action. - All residents on or near mountain slopes should be prepared for possible landslides.

INSTRUCTION: Persons living along streams should stay alert and be prepared to take action if a warning or advisory is issued, or flooding is observed. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Stay tuned to further developments by listening to your local radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information. Reports on river conditions can be sent to the River Forecast Center by calling 1-800-847-1739

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Weather Topic: What are Mammatus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Mammatus Clouds

Mammatus Clouds Next Topic: Nimbostratus Clouds

A mammatus cloud is a cloud with a unique feature which resembles a web of pouches hanging along the base of the cloud.

In the United States, mammatus clouds tend to form in the warmer months, commonly in the Midwest and eastern regions.

While they usually form at the bottom of a cumulonimbis cloud, they can also form under altostratus, altocumulus, stratocumulus, and cirrus clouds. Mammatus clouds warn that severe weather is close.

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Weather Topic: What is Precipitation?

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Precipitation Next Topic: Rain

Precipitation can refer to many different forms of water that may fall from clouds. Precipitation occurs after a cloud has become saturated to the point where its water particles are more dense than the air below the cloud.

In most cases, precipitation will reach the ground, but it is not uncommon for precipitation to evaporate before it reaches the earth's surface. When precipitation evaporates before it contacts the ground it is called Virga. Graupel, hail, sleet, rain, drizzle, and snow are forms of precipitation, but fog and mist are not considered precipitation because the water vapor which constitutes them isn't dense enough to fall to the ground.

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