Nome, AK – Several communities across Western Alaska are under Winter Storm Watches beginning Sunday as a large storm system brings snow, strong winds, and possible blizzard conditions through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Fairbanks.
According to NWS alerts, the watch affects a wide stretch of the region, including Eastern Norton Sound, the Yukon Delta Coast, the Lower Yukon River, the Seward Peninsula, St. Lawrence Island, and the Bering Strait Coast. Snow totals across these areas range from 2 to 8 inches, depending on location.
Eastern Norton Sound, the Yukon Delta, and the Lower Yukon River may see 2 to 4 inches of snow beginning Sunday afternoon, with winds reaching 40 mph. Communities from Shaktoolik to Hooper Bay and Mountain Village should expect reduced visibility and travel disruptions.
The Interior and Southern Seward Peninsula—including Nome, Golovin, White Mountain, and surrounding communities—may see 3 to 8 inches of snow, with winds up to 40 mph, starting Sunday evening.
On St. Lawrence Island, including Gambell and Savoonga, 3 to 6 inches of snow and gusts up to 50 mph are possible from Sunday evening through Tuesday evening.
The Bering Strait Coast, including Shishmaref, Wales, Teller, Brevig Mission, and Diomede, may experience 2 to 4 inches of snow with 50 mph gusts, beginning late Sunday night.
Forecasters warn that strong winds combined with falling snow could lead to periods of whiteout conditions, making travel difficult or dangerous across the region. Residents are urged to monitor updates as the storm approaches and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
