Fairbanks, Alaska – Blizzard conditions could make travel life-threatening across northwest and Arctic Alaska beginning late Friday night and lasting through Sunday, with some areas impacted into late Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, Winter Storm Watches remain in effect for the Western Arctic Coast, Seward Peninsula, Baldwin Peninsula, Lower Kobuk Valley and surrounding communities including Kotzebue, Nome, Utqiagvik, Prudhoe Bay and Kaktovik. Snow totals between 4 and 10 inches are possible, with wind gusts ranging from 50 to 70 mph depending on location.
Visibilities may drop below one-quarter mile.
Blowing snow and strong winds could create prolonged whiteout conditions along the Dalton Highway from Atigun Pass north to Deadhorse, as well as coastal routes near Point Hope, Point Lay and Shishmaref. Power outages are possible along the Western Arctic Coast where gusts approach 70 mph.
What residents should do now: Prepare emergency supplies, avoid backcountry travel and monitor updated forecasts before the storm intensifies.
The most dangerous conditions are expected Saturday through Sunday afternoon for the Seward Peninsula and Northwest Arctic, expanding east across the Arctic Coast into Monday. Winter Storm Watches remain in effect for the specified timeframes.
