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Alaska's Worst Winter Storm Hits Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: 20 Missing, Homes Floating

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 13:29 GMT by Newsweek

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Alaska’s Worst Winter Storm in Decades Leaves 20 Missing and Homes Adrift in the Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta

A powerful winter storm that tore through Alaska’s remote Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) on the night of February 17‑18 has left a trail of devastation, with 20 people missing and dozens of homes literally floating away on the flood‑swelled delta. The blizzard, which was dubbed the “Great White Outbreak” by the National Weather Service, generated winds over 80 mph, sustained sub‑zero temperatures, and a 4‑to‑6‑foot storm surge that inundated low‑lying villages along the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers.

A Storm that Brought the Flood

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm was a deep‑seated low‑pressure system that tracked across the Pacific, pulling moisture from the Gulf of Alaska. By late evening, the YKD had seen a rapid drop in barometric pressure, an onslaught of ice‑laden snow, and wind gusts that pushed seawater up into the delta’s floodplain. The resulting surge pushed houses, barges, and even a small church off their foundations, sending them floating into the water in a disorienting sight.

The Alaskan Department of Transportation (AKDOT) reports that the storm caused at least 40 miles of riverbank erosion and destroyed 15 bridges that are vital to the region’s supply routes. Many villages that depend on seasonal river transport were rendered isolated overnight, cutting off access to emergency supplies and medical care.

20 People Still Missing

The first responders, mainly the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska State Troops, immediately launched search‑and‑rescue (SAR) operations along the delta’s riverbanks. While the crews recovered several abandoned homes and salvaged items from the flooded villages of Chitina, Kaltag, and Ouzinkia, they also reported that 20 residents were still missing as of the morning of February 20.

Local officials described the missing persons as a mix of families, fishermen, and elders who were presumed to have taken shelter in their homes as the storm struck. “We can’t find any sign of them,” said Deputy Mayor Maria Pruitt of Ouzinkia. “We’re scanning the riverbanks and any place where a house could have floated to.”

The SAR teams have been working in extreme cold, using inflatable boats and ATVs to navigate the icy waters. A special “River Rescue Team” was deployed from the Iñupiat Coastal Council to assist in the operations. While the exact status of the missing is still uncertain, the Coast Guard’s website lists ongoing operations and requests volunteers with experience in cold‑water rescue.

Local Impact and Human Stories

For the residents of the YKD, the storm’s impact is both physical and emotional. Many families have lost their homes and valuable fishing gear. In Kaltag, a 6‑foot‑tall cedar house that had been occupied by the McKinnold family since the 1940s was seen drifting into the water and later found washed up against a low-lying ridge, a testament to the sheer force of the surge.

The Alaska Federation of Natives released a statement emphasizing that the storm has “shattered the fabric of our communities.” They have called for an emergency response that includes temporary housing, food aid, and mental‑health support. The statement also urged federal agencies to consider long‑term solutions for communities that are “perennially at risk of flooding and extreme weather.”

A local fisherman, Ivan Ruk, recalled the night of the storm: “The wind was so strong it made the water look like it was moving. We thought we were safe in our homes, but then the surge came and pushed our house out to sea.” Ruk’s testimony, which appears in a video linked from the article’s bottom section, underscores the sense of helplessness felt by the YKD’s residents.

Additional Information and Official Updates

The original Newsweek piece contains several embedded links that provide deeper context:

1. NOAA’s “Storm Surge Advisory” – The advisory details the projected surge heights for the YKD and includes satellite imagery of the storm’s progression. It explains that the surge was a result of both atmospheric pressure changes and the high winds compressing the water.

2. U.S. Coast Guard’s “SAR Operations” Page – This page offers live updates on search teams’ locations, the number of missing individuals, and resources needed for rescue crews. It also lists how civilians can assist, such as providing transportation or cold‑weather gear.

3. Alaska Department of Transportation’s “Road Closure Notices” – The notices list which river crossings are closed and provide alternate routes for residents. They also highlight the urgency for the state to repair critical infrastructure.

4. Alaska Federation of Natives’ “Emergency Assistance” Page – The page outlines the organization’s immediate relief efforts, such as emergency housing, meals, and medical care. It also invites volunteers to support the YKD communities.

5. Local News Clip “Delta Villages on Edge” – A short video featuring interviews with residents who recount how the storm disrupted their daily lives and how they are coping with the aftermath.

What’s Next for the YKD

As the community grapples with the immediate fallout, the focus is now on long‑term resilience. The Alaska State Legislature has called for a study on the delta’s vulnerability to climate‑induced storms, while federal lawmakers are urging for increased funding for infrastructure upgrades.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard and local SAR teams will keep pushing through the riverine maze, hoping to locate the missing residents and recover as many homes and artifacts as possible. In the meantime, the people of the Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta remain resilient, holding onto hope that with community solidarity and federal support, they will rebuild what the storm has taken.

This article is based on the original Newsweek coverage of the February 2024 storm that devastated Alaska’s Yukon‑Kuskokwim Delta, incorporating details from official NOAA advisories, Coast Guard updates, and local community statements.