Juneau Faces New Snowstorm Amid Record Snow Cleanup Crisis

UPDATE: Juneau, Alaska, is bracing for another major snowstorm as residents struggle to clear record snowfall that has already overwhelmed the city. Just days after receiving an astonishing 82 inches of snow in December 2025, locals are now facing the prospect of an additional 8-16 inches of snow by Friday, January 7, 2025, according to AccuWeather.

The situation is dire: snow has completely buried vehicles and rooftops, leading to widespread damage and a local disaster declaration issued by both the City and Borough of Juneau and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Following this, Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster, unlocking vital resources needed for emergency response.

“It’s a nightmare,” said local resident Tom Skinner, highlighting the overwhelming challenge of snow removal. “We have industrial-size snow blowers, but there’s just nowhere to put it.” With heavy rains expected to follow the snow, residents are also bracing for potential flooding, raising alarms about further property damage.

The intense snowfall has already caused multiple boats and boathouses in the harbor to collapse under the weight of the snow. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued warnings regarding the risk of vessels sinking, stating that heavy snow can drastically reduce stability. “We are responding to multiple sinking vessels already,” an official reported.

As temperatures fluctuated from the teens to the mid-30s earlier this week, melting snow combined with rain has created a cement-like snowpack, adding to the structural pressure on buildings and homes. “Several roofs have caved in due to the snow load,” eyewitness Aaron Rigsby noted, emphasizing the urgent need for residents to clear snow from their roofs and vehicles before the next storm hits.

Meteorologists have confirmed that the severe weather is a result of an amplified jet stream pattern affecting the Alaskan Panhandle. This unusual weather system has brought a series of moisture-laden storms, leading to record-breaking snowfall in December—an entire winter’s worth in just one month.

As new snow begins to fall, the forecast points to significant rainfall on Friday, with 1-3 inches expected, further complicating an already precarious situation. Flooding risks will escalate, particularly in areas with deep snowpack where storm drains are already clogged. “We could see water ponding in places that typically don’t flood,” warned meteorologist Tyler Roys.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and proactive as this weather event unfolds. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, but with additional storms on the horizon, the situation remains critical. Authorities are asking for community cooperation in clearing snow and securing properties to mitigate further damage.

Juneau is in a race against time as it prepares for the impending storm while dealing with the fallout of unprecedented snowfall. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated—residents must act now to protect their homes and livelihoods.