UPDATE: Juneau, Alaska, is in a race against time as residents battle to clear snow from roofs and boats ahead of an incoming storm. Following a staggering 82 inches of snowfall in December, officials have declared a local disaster as new snow and rain are expected to hit the area this week.
The situation in Juneau is dire. As of January 7, residents reported that there is “nowhere to put the cleared snow.” With heavy snow blanketing rooftops, vehicles, and roads, Gov. Mike Dunleavy has issued a state disaster declaration to mobilize emergency resources.
The latest storm is projected to bring an additional 8-16 inches of snow through Friday, followed by rain, raising urgent flooding concerns. “There’s not enough places to put our snow here in Juneau,” local resident Tom Skinner stated, illustrating the struggle many face. “We have these industrial-sized snow blowers blowing it into the back of a semi.”
With the weight of the snow compounded by recent warmer temperatures, many structures are at risk. Reports indicate that collapses of boats and boathouses have already occurred in the harbor. “Heavy snow can quickly reduce stability and cause vessels to sink,” warned officials from the Arctic District of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Residents are being urged to clear snow from their roofs and boats to prevent further damage. “Several homes have had roofs cave in due to the amount of snow,” said storm chaser Aaron Rigsby, noting the mixture of rain and snow is turning the snowpack into a cement-like substance, creating additional pressure on buildings.
The extreme weather is attributed to an amplified jet stream pattern along the Alaskan Panhandle, resulting in highly unusual snowfall totals. Meteorologists at AccuWeather confirmed that December 2025 was the second-highest monthly total snowfall on record for Juneau, with the city typically averaging 87.8 inches of snow for the entire winter.
As cleanup efforts continue, residents brace for the potential flooding that may follow the new snow and rain. “Flooding concerns will increase once the snow changes to rain, particularly in areas with deep snowpack,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys.
As the forecast remains grim, with additional storms expected next week, Juneau’s residents are left in a precarious situation, caught between record snowfall and the looming threat of flooding. Urgent preparations are underway as the community rallies to manage the crisis.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing situation unfolds.
