What is being described as an “epic storm” is currently slamming into western Alaska. The storm is reported to have hurricane-like winds and massive waves, creating the potential for coastal flooding, extensive beach erosion, and serious damage. The National Weather Service is calling it “one of the most severe Bering Sea storms on record.”

One look at a picture of Kivalina and it is not hard to see why those who have come to care about this community are watching and hoping. The village sits on the tip of a tiny barrier reef island of about 27 acres that is barely above sea level and completely surrounded by water: one side the Chukchi Sea, the other the Kivalina Lagoon.

Residents trace