Juneau, Alaska is facing potential record flooding due to a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from the Mendenhall Glacier. Authorities are urging evacuations as the Mendenhall River is expected to crest around 4 pm Alaska time (8 pm ET) on Wednesday. Newly installed flood barriers are hoped to mitigate the impact. The flooding, intensified by climate change and glacial retreat, is predicted to surpass previous records. The event is linked to the accelerated melting of Alaskan glaciers, warming at twice the rate of the rest of the US.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.