Severe Storm Hits Tuktoyaktuk, Damages Homes and Infrastructure

UPDATE: A severe storm has struck Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Environment Canada reports that winds exceeded 100 km/h for several hours, leading to significant flooding and destruction.

The storm, which hit on Saturday afternoon, has left at least two homes damaged, with local authorities confirming ongoing assessments of the situation. Senior administrative officer Jay Boast stated that the community is mobilizing to respond to the aftermath. Shelter has been provided at the community center as residents cope with the impact.

In a statement, Boast emphasized that the community had planned a meeting for Sunday to discuss recovery efforts. The hamlet’s Facebook page also indicated that local officials met with the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation and the Hunters and Trappers Committee to strategize on remediation efforts.

Urgent repairs are underway, focusing on priority areas such as road construction, clearing water and sewage lines, and garbage cleanup. Boast confirmed that power and phone services, which were disrupted during the storm, have been restored as of Sunday morning.

According to Environment Canada, this storm is characterized as “exceptional.” The low-pressure system brought unprecedented water levels, peaking at 2.62 meters, surpassing the previous record of 2.2 meters. This level is far above the typical high tide of 0.85 meters for Tuktoyaktuk, raising alarms about future flooding risks.

Meteorologist Rob Griffith noted that the storm not only affected Tuktoyaktuk but also impacted nearby communities, including Paulatuk and Sachs Harbour, with wind speeds above 90 km/h. He cautioned that the wind speed readings of up to 130 km/h are estimates due to instrument failure during the storm.

The community of Tuktoyaktuk has dedicated years to enhancing its infrastructure resilience against climate change and flooding. Just last month, they celebrated the completion of a $54 million shoreline protection project, which included the installation of boulders and concrete barriers to safeguard against coastal erosion.

As recovery efforts ramp up, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for ongoing weather impacts. The community’s low-lying geography makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in sea levels, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in the face of climate challenges.

Watch for further updates as authorities continue to assess damage and restore normalcy in Tuktoyaktuk.