ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Accumulated slush that formed a barrier on beaches protected Norton Sound villages from storm waves.
There were flood warnings Wednesday and Thursday because of the storm.
The mayor of Unalakleet told KTUU that he saw waves up to 12 feet high. But the slush wall protected homes. Damage was minimal.
Residents in Shaktoolik say damage was limited to their antennas because of the slush barrier.
Officials say elders and children who were evacuated are now back in their homes.
I remember working on the boats in conditions like that - going on deck with baseball bats, tied-off to keep from washing overboard, to knock the freezing slush off so it wouldn't sink us with the weight. Amazing wx conditions, hard to imagine if you haven't worked, or lived near, the northern waters.