Kotzebue, Alaska – Blizzard conditions will make travel nearly impossible across northwest Alaska starting at midnight tonight, with whiteouts and wind gusts up to 70 mph expected through Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, Blizzard Warnings remain in effect from midnight tonight through 3 p.m. AKST Sunday for the Western Arctic Coast, Baldwin Peninsula, Noatak Valley, Kivalina and Red Dog Dock, with a separate warning for the Bering Strait Coast and Shishmaref through 9 a.m. Sunday.
Communities including Kotzebue, Point Hope, Point Lay, Kivalina, Shishmaref and Wales could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, while the Bering Strait Coast is expected to receive 1 to 3 inches. Winds will gust between 50 and 70 mph, reducing visibility below one-quarter mile in blowing snow.
Travel may become impossible overnight.
On the Western Arctic Coast, including Point Hope and Cape Lisburne, gusts near 70 mph could trigger power outages and ground air travel at regional airstrips. Along the Baldwin Peninsula and near Red Dog Mine, drifting snow may block local roads and limit access to emergency services.
Road conditions will deteriorate rapidly before sunrise Saturday.
Residents should restrict travel to emergencies only and carry a winter survival kit if travel cannot be delayed. Check 511.alaska.gov for updated road conditions.
Winds ease gradually Sunday afternoon, but blowing snow may linger into early evening. Blizzard warnings remain in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday along the Bering Strait Coast and until 3 p.m. Sunday elsewhere.
