Alaska Superstorm Stats and Update

Nov 9, 2011; 11:17 AM ET

The potentially-historic “superstorm” I talked about yesterday is making “landfall” in Alaska today with a pressure equivalent to a Category 4 Hurricane. You can read more about the potential impacts in our news story (which calls it a “snowicane”).

Here’s some video from last night:

The web is abuzz with resources to keep an eye on the storm. One amazing thing is the large wind field – see forecast wind map below.

Statistically, these are the extremes as of this morning (as of 11 AM ET):

PRESSURE: The surface map says the storm is below 950 mb.CNN quotes the low as 940 mb while the NWS says 943. A buoy measured 28.22″ (956 mb)

WIND GUSTS: Reached 71.9 knots (82 mph) at a buoy offshore, and 85 mph at Tin City. Note the wind direction circulating around the cyclone in the wind map below.

WAVES: 39.5 feet reported from a buoy offshore

DAMAGE: Although no official “LSR” damage reports have been issued by the NWS, USAToday says “The National Weather Service office in Fairbanks has received reports of some roofs blowing off in Nome, where water reached the base of buildings.”

STORM SURGE: +7 Feet at Nome. Forecast to rise to as high as 9 feet.

WIND CHILL: -17 F at an Alaska coastal station

ICE ACCRETION: Reached 23.5 inches per hour at a coastal station (wow).