Hurricanes risk in Alaska

Hurricane Risk in Alaska: Geography and Season

Alaska is rated level 1 of 5 for hurricane risk by FEMA's National Risk Index, placing it among the states least likely to experience a hurricane. The state's cold waters and far northern latitude prevent tropical cyclones from maintaining their strength. According to the NOAA National Hurricane Center, most hurricanes that approach Alaska have already weakened into extratropical storms.

The remnants of typhoons from the western Pacific or hurricanes from the eastern Pacific can still reach Alaska, particularly in the fall. Those storms may bring high winds, heavy rain, and large waves. The most exposed regions are the Aleutian Islands, the Alaska Peninsula, the Kodiak Archipelago, and Southeast Alaska. Even these areas rarely see true hurricane-force winds at ground level.

Season and Timing

The eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30. For Alaska, the highest chance of seeing storm remnants is from August to October, when ocean temperatures in the North Pacific are at their warmest. However, the state has never recorded a direct hurricane landfall in modern history.

How Hurricane Remnants Affect Homes in Alaska

While a direct hurricane is unlikely, the remnants of a tropical storm can still have a significant impact on homes, especially in coastal and hilly areas. High winds can damage roofs, break windows, and down trees that may fall onto structures. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding in creeks and streams, and storm surge can push seawater inland along the coast.

In mountainous areas, saturated soil can lead to landslides, which pose a threat to homes built on slopes. Many Alaskan communities rely on roads and airstrips that can be cut off by flooding or debris, making recovery slower.

Insurance considerations are important. Most standard homeowners policies cover wind damage, but they typically do not cover flood damage. Residents should check with their insurance provider to see if they need separate flood insurance through the FEMA Hurricane Preparedness page or the National Flood Insurance Program. Even in low-risk areas, flooding can happen when drainage systems are overwhelmed.

How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Remnants

Preparation is straightforward and follows the same steps recommended by Ready.gov and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Even with a low risk, taking precautions helps protect your property and family.

• Sign up for local emergency alerts and know your community's evacuation shelter plan.
• Assemble an emergency kit with at least three days of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Clear roofs, gutters, and downspouts of debris so heavy rain can flow away from your home.
• Trim tree branches near your house and remove dead limbs that could break off in strong winds.
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items that could become projectiles.
• Consider installing storm shutters or using plywood to protect windows if you're in a high-wind area.
• If you live in a flood-prone zone, stock sandbags and have a plan to protect doors and crawlspace vents.
• Review your insurance policies and speak with an agent about flood coverage, even if the risk seems low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have hurricanes ever made landfall in Alaska?

No hurricane has ever made landfall in Alaska as a tropical cyclone. However, remnants of typhoons and hurricanes have reached the state, bringing damaging winds and rain to the Aleutian Islands and other coastal areas.

What is the biggest hurricane-related danger in Alaska?

The biggest danger is not typically the wind but the water. Heavy rainfall from remnant storms can trigger flash floods and landslides, especially in the steep terrain of southeast Alaska. Coastal erosion and storm surge can also damage homes near the shore.

Does Alaska have a hurricane season?

Alaska does not have its own hurricane season, but it lies within the range of both the eastern Pacific and central Pacific hurricane basins. Those seasons run from May 15 to November 30, and Alaska is most likely to feel the effects of remnants in late summer and early fall.

Official Resources

• Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• Ready.gov – Hurricanes
• FEMA Hurricane Preparedness