Weather
Western Alaska Blizzard Warning Oct. 22-26: Coastal Storm Threatens West
Fairbanks, AK — A powerful Bering Sea storm is expected to bring dangerous conditions to western and northwestern Alaska beginning Thursday evening, with wind gusts potentially reaching 70 mph, coasta
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-22T08:27:21.391Z
Fairbanks, AK — A powerful Bering Sea storm is expected to bring dangerous conditions to western and northwestern Alaska beginning Thursday evening, with wind gusts potentially reaching 70 mph, coastal water levels rising as much as 8 feet above normal high tide and blizzard conditions threatening portions of the Seward Peninsula.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, the storm will bring strong winds, heavy precipitation, coastal flooding and erosion from Thursday, Oct. 22, through the weekend. Another low pressure system arriving Sunday night into Monday could prolong dangerous conditions.
A Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for Hooper Bay, where water levels could rise between 4 and 8 feet above the normal high tide line.
Similar water level increases of 4 to 8 feet are possible from Shaktoolik to Nome, while communities between Point Hope and Point Lay could experience rises of 3 to 5 feet.
Forecasters expect the strongest winds Friday, with widespread coastal gusts between 50 and 70 mph. Forecast guidance indicates potential gusts near 68 mph around Gambell, 64 mph near Nome and 55 mph near Kotzebue.
Blizzard warnings cover portions of the Seward Peninsula, while winter storm warnings extend into the Brooks Range and Kobuk Valley. Heavy snow is expected in some inland areas, with coastal precipitation transitioning to rain by Saturday afternoon.
High surf advisories also cover multiple coastal regions, including St. Lawrence Island, Norton Sound and the Chukchi Sea coastline.
Residents should secure outdoor belongings, avoid dangerous coastal areas and prepare for possible travel disruptions.
The National Weather Service warns that another storm arriving Sunday night could extend coastal flooding, erosion and strong winds into early next week.