NOME-The largest storm in decades is rushing towards western Alaska. Meteorologists are calling for winds in excess of 85 miles an hour as the storm races for the coast at 60 miles an hour. It is expected to begin causing a storm surge by this afternoon in the Norton Sound region.

The last storm of this size occurred in November 1974 in the same region. At that time the storm surge reached a level of 13 feet. This depression is expected to produce storm surges of 10 feet or more.

At 9 am, the storm center was located about 600 mile southwest of Saint Lawrence Island. It will move rapidly to the northeast and begin pummeling the western Alaska coast by this afternoon. Extreme flooding is expected in low-lying areas.

The National Weather Service is recommending that boats and personal property be moved well away from coastal areas in advance of this epic storm. they consider the storm extremely dangerous and for people in the region to take extra precautions for their well-being.

The National Weather service states these areas will be affected:Baldwin Peninsula and Selawik Valley; Chukchi Sea Coast; Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills; Lower Kobuk and Noatak Valleys; Northern and Interior Seward Peninsula; Southern Seward Peninsula Coast; St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait Coast; Yukon Delta.