Shishmaref, Alaska – Powerful northerly winds up to 50 mph could slash visibility to one-half mile across western Alaska starting early Wednesday, creating hazardous travel conditions for several coastal communities through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, Winter Weather Advisories cover the Bering Strait Coast, Shishmaref, the Yukon Delta Coast, and the Northern Seward Peninsula, where light snowfall combined with strong winds will produce widespread blowing snow. Most areas will see less than 1 inch of accumulation, but the primary threat comes from wind-driven snow that can quickly obscure roads, airstrips, and coastal travel routes.
Communities including Shishmaref, Wales, Teller, Brevig Mission, Hooper Bay, Scammon Bay, Emmonak, Kotlik, and Mountain Village may experience rapidly changing visibility beginning as early as 4 a.m. Wednesday along the Bering Strait Coast and 7 a.m. Wednesday across the Seward Peninsula. The strongest winds are expected Wednesday afternoon through early Friday, especially near exposed coastal areas.
Farther north along the Central Beaufort Sea Coast, including Prudhoe Bay, Deadhorse, and Nuiqsut, another advisory begins 7 a.m. Tuesday and lasts until 10 p.m. Tuesday. Winds up to 45 mph may produce similar blowing snow conditions along the Dalton Highway north of Milepost 387, potentially slowing truck traffic to oil field sites.
Travelers should allow extra time, avoid unnecessary trips during peak wind periods, and prepare for sudden visibility drops common in Arctic blowing snow events. Additional advisories may be issued if winds strengthen or conditions worsen later this week.
