KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
While the early fall storm has put other areas of Alaska on a high flood warning, Kodiak has managed to keep most of its roadways clear despite the heavy rainfall. Rob Greene is the Kodiak supervisor for the Department of Transportation and said there were a couple close calls on the Chiniak Highway yesterday with regards to flooding. The Kalsin and American Rivers flooded the pastures near the highway, but never crossed into the highway lanes. Greene said his crew was monitoring the rivers for most of the afternoon to make sure conditions were safe for traffic.
A land slide near Pasagshak clogged up a culvert and flooded the road system for a brief bit, but Greene said that was cleared quickly and traffic was able to resume. He said the DOT caught a break when rain ceased during the afternoon and drainages were able to catch up with the excess water.
According to the National Weather Service, Kodiak received about 1.13 inches of rainfall yesterday and more is expected to fall the rest of the week and into the weekend. Greene said drivers should be cautious of sitting water on the roads and slow down if needed. He said DOT will continue to monitor the roadways and provide updates and warnings as needed.
