Nome, Alaska – Travel across the Seward Peninsula could become difficult to nearly impossible beginning early Tuesday morning as blowing snow and strong winds sharply reduce visibility across coastal and interior communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Thursday for the Southern Seward Peninsula Coast and the Interior Seward Peninsula. Snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are expected, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Periods of blowing and falling snow may drop visibility to one-half mile or less, especially in open and exposed areas.
The most significant impacts are expected along the Bering Strait Coast, including Nome, Golovin, and White Mountain, as well as inland locations such as Council, Pilgrim Springs, Haycock, and Serpentine Hot Springs. Easterly winds will strengthen Tuesday morning ahead of the snow, increasing the risk for drifting snow on area roads, runways, and travel corridors. Winds are expected to turn northerly and gradually weaken Wednesday, though snowfall is forecast to continue into Thursday morning.
Officials recommend delaying travel if possible and preparing for rapidly changing conditions. Additional advisories may be issued if snowfall totals or wind speeds increase beyond current expectations.
