Nome, Alaska – Whiteout conditions could halt travel across western Alaska by Monday afternoon as a powerful front drives heavy snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph into coastal and Interior communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, multiple Winter Storm Watches remain in effect from Monday afternoon or evening through Wednesday afternoon or night, depending on location. Snow totals of 6 to 12 inches are possible along the West Coast and Lower Yukon River, while 4 to 10 inches could fall across the Seward Peninsula and Interior valleys. Higher terrain above 1,000 feet may see gusts near 60 mph, with valley gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph.
Communities including Nome, Kotzebue, Bethel-area villages, Shishmaref, Gambell, Unalakleet and Marshall face the highest blizzard risk. In the Middle and Lower Yukon Valley, including Galena, Ruby and Nulato, blowing snow may reduce visibility to near zero at times. Drifting snow could block rural roads and airstrips, disrupting supply routes and medevac access.
Residents should secure loose equipment, prepare for potential power disruptions and avoid travel during peak wind Tuesday into early Wednesday. The strongest winds are expected to ease by Tuesday midday along the coast, but periods of snow and reduced visibility may linger through Wednesday as watches remain in effect.
