ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A storm of "epic proportions" caused additional flooding overnight and continues to threaten communities along Alaska's western coast.
In Nome, the tide crested 10 feet above normal late Wednesday, causing flooding along the town's main street, which runs along the beach and features gift shops and bars.
Julie Malingowski, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Fairbanks, said early Thursday that strong winds ripped roofs from some buildings in Nome. She says there was a report that one building lost its front wall.
Along the Chukchi Sea coastline, tides were 3 to 5 feet above normal, causing flooding in the barrier island village of Shishmaref.
Damage from heavy storm surf also was being reported in the villages of Kivalina and Point Hope.
Malingowski says winds have eased considerably, but the threat from the storm surge will remain until sea levels begin to fall later in the day.
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