Fairbanks, AK – The National Weather Service in Fairbanks is warning of strong winds and dangerous wind chills developing Friday afternoon through Saturday across western Alaska, especially near the Bering Strait.
According to the Weather Service, north and northeast winds will strengthen with gusts reaching 50 to 65 mph, strongest in the Bering Strait and along coastal regions. The system is expected to peak late Friday into Saturday afternoon, bringing wind chills as low as 0°F in some areas north of the Seward Peninsula.
Forecasters say blowing snow will accompany the strong winds, creating visibility drops to around half a mile or less at times. Travel along the coast and through open areas may become hazardous due to drifting snow and rapidly changing conditions.
Residents and mariners are urged to secure outdoor items, limit exposure to the cold, and prepare for possible disruptions in transportation or power. The Weather Service added that recovery and response efforts underway in affected areas could face added challenges from these weather conditions.
Conditions are expected to gradually ease by late Saturday as winds begin to diminish.
