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| Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News via AP |
Alaska is experiencing extremely cold temperatures with Anchorage facing some of its coldest weather in years. The mayor has opened warming facilities for homeless people or those without reliable heating. Juneau, the state capital, set a new January snowfall record of 6.4 feet due to a two-day storm. Anchorage reached 100 inches of snow, marking the earliest date the city has hit this milestone. Fairbanks, known for northern lights viewing, saw temperatures of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for over a week, the coldest outbreak in years.
Anchorage, experiencing its coldest temperatures in 15 years, hit minus 17 Fahrenheit. Kotzebue faced temperatures below minus 30 Fahrenheit, causing heating fuel issues and frozen water lines. Southeast Alaska, including Ketchikan, had milder weather, with temperatures close to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anchorage declared an emergency and opened warming centers, with warnings for businesses to vacate due to snow on rooftops. A man possibly succumbed to exposure while fleeing a fire in Sutton. Schools have had six days of remote learning, and some buildings collapsed under heavy snow. The cold affected utilities, with ENSTAR Natural Gas Co. facing challenges.
Residents are grappling with the extreme conditions, and emergency measures are in place across the state. The situation is especially challenging for those without adequate shelter or heating.
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