Prudhoe Bay, Alaska – Blizzard conditions are tightening their grip along Alaska’s Arctic Coast tonight, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less at times as winds strengthen along the Dalton Highway north of milepost 232.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon AKST Tuesday for the Central Arctic Plains, Beaufort Sea Coast, Brooks Range and Romanzof Mountains. Additional snowfall of up to 2 inches is expected, but winds gusting to 40 mph will drive blowing snow and periodic whiteouts, especially east of Prudhoe Bay.
Travel along the Dalton Highway from Galbraith Lake to Deadhorse could become very difficult as winds shift westerly and intensify into Monday. Coastal areas near Kaktovik and Point Thomson face the highest risk for blizzard conditions.
Farther west, Nome and the Seward Peninsula are under a warning until 9 a.m. Tuesday for 2 to 4 inches of snow and gusts up to 40 mph. In the Yukon Delta and Lower Yukon Valley, mixed precipitation is turning back to heavy, wet snow overnight, with light ice accumulation possible before snow takes over.
Officials urge residents and truckers to check 511.alaska.gov before traveling and carry emergency supplies. Blizzard conditions may persist into Tuesday, with additional advisories possible if winds remain strong.
