Fairbanks, AK – Dangerous winter weather is set to intensify across western Alaska beginning tonight, as blizzard and winter storm warnings take effect for multiple coastal and interior regions, threatening hazardous travel and near-zero visibility.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, Blizzard Warnings are in effect for the Bering Strait Coast and Point Hope from midnight tonight through noon Monday. During this time, blizzard conditions are expected, with snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches combined with wind gusts up to 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions.
Visibility may drop to less than one-quarter mile at times due to blowing and drifting snow, making travel extremely dangerous or impossible.
Meanwhile, Winter Storm Warnings are in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday through midnight Monday night for the Eastern Norton Sound, Nulato Hills, Interior Seward Peninsula, and Southern Seward Peninsula Coast. These areas could see 5 to 10 inches of snow, along with wind gusts reaching 35 mph.
Forecasters say an initial round of snow Sunday morning may bring lighter accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, but a second, stronger wave Sunday night through Monday is expected to produce the most severe conditions, particularly across the Norton Sound region.
Communities including Nome, Kotzebue, Kivalina, Point Hope, and surrounding villages should prepare for significant travel disruptions, reduced visibility, and rapidly deteriorating conditions. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose objects, and ensure emergency supplies are ready.
