Kotzebue, Alaska – Travel across northwest Alaska could become life-threatening this weekend as blizzard conditions combine with wind gusts up to 70 mph and snowfall totals nearing 18 inches through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until midnight Sunday night for the Baldwin Peninsula, Noatak Valley and Kivalina area, including Kotzebue. Snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches are expected, with winds gusting to 55 mph. Visibilities may fall below one-quarter mile in blowing snow, making overland travel extremely dangerous.
Along the Western Arctic Coast, including Point Hope and Cape Lisburne, winds could gust as high as 70 mph through 6 p.m. Sunday. Snow totals there range from 6 to 11 inches, with the heaviest snowfall near Point Hope. Strong winds may cause sporadic power outages and severe drifting across exposed roadways and airstrips.
Communities along the Bering Strait Coast, including Shishmaref and Wales, remain under a Blizzard Warning until 9 a.m. Sunday, with 4 to 8 inches of snow and a light glaze of ice possible. Conditions should gradually improve Sunday as winds weaken, though snow showers may linger into early Monday.
Officials urge residents to restrict travel to emergencies only and carry winter survival kits if travel is unavoidable.
