Weather
Nome, AK Weather Alert Oct. 22-24: Coastal Storm Brings Blowing Snow
Nome, AK – A coastal storm approaching western Alaska could bring accumulating snow, strong wind gusts and reduced visibility beginning Thursday, Oct. 22, with the heaviest snowfall expected Friday be
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-21T19:37:49.609Z
Nome, AK – A coastal storm approaching western Alaska could bring accumulating snow, strong wind gusts and reduced visibility beginning Thursday, Oct. 22, with the heaviest snowfall expected Friday before conditions begin changing along the coast Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, snow is expected across much of Alaska's West Coast as a storm system moves into the region Thursday evening. Snow could begin as early as Thursday afternoon or evening, with most accumulation forecast Friday, Oct. 23.
Snow and Strong Winds Expected Friday
The approaching system could produce periods of blowing snow as snowfall overlaps with strong south and southeast wind gusts.
Forecasters warn that this combination may reduce visibility, potentially creating difficult travel conditions for communities along the western coast and surrounding inland areas.
The National Weather Service released a probability forecast highlighting locations where snowfall totals could exceed 3 inches by midday Saturday, Oct. 24.
The forecast map includes portions of the Seward Peninsula, Norton Sound region and areas extending inland toward the western Brooks Range.
Communities including Nome, Kotzebue and surrounding villages could experience accumulating snow, although totals will vary depending on location and storm development.
Rain Could Replace Snow Saturday
A transition from snow to rain is expected along coastal areas by Saturday morning as warmer air moves into the region.
This change could affect snow accumulation and create wet or slushy conditions in locations that receive snowfall beforehand.
Residents planning travel Friday should remain alert for rapidly changing visibility, particularly in exposed coastal locations where strong winds can produce blowing snow.
The forecast probability map does not guarantee that every community will receive more than 3 inches of snow.
Residents across western Alaska are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and any official winter weather advisories as the storm approaches.
The latest forecasts are available from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/afg.