Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2020
Blizzard Warning 22, NWS Anchorage, AK
NWS Anchorage, AK issued this blizzard warning at Dec 25, 2020, 6:40 PM AKST. It took effect at Dec 27, 2020, 1:00 AM AKST. It was in force for 11 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Dec 25, 2020, 6:40 PM AKST (03:40 UTC)
- In effect from
- Dec 27, 2020, 1:00 AM AKST
- Expired
- Dec 27, 2020, 12:00 PM AKST
- In force
- 11 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Anchorage, AK
The text
As transmitted.
252 WWAK42 PAFC 260340 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 640 PM AKST Fri Dec 25 2020 AKZ155-261645- /O.UPG.PAFC.WS.A.0016.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ /O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 640 PM AKST Fri Dec 25 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile at times. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ191-261645- /O.UPG.PAFC.WS.A.0015.201226T0900Z-201227T0600Z/ /O.NEW.PAFC.WS.W.0007.201226T0900Z-201226T1800Z/ Western Aleutians- Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka 640 PM AKST Fri Dec 25 2020 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM AKST SATURDAY FOR SHEMYA... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Northeast winds sustained 50 to 70 mph with gusts as high as 85 mph. * WHERE...Shemya. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM AKST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/2 mile or less at times. High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of ice will make travel very hazardous. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
7 follow-up statements
564 WWAK42 PAFC 261256 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 356 AM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 AKZ155-270200- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 356 AM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile at times. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ191-261800- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-201226T1800Z/ Western Aleutians- Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka 356 AM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Northeast winds sustained 50 to 70 mph with gusts as high as 85 mph. * WHERE...Shemya. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM AKST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/2 mile or less at times. High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of ice will make travel very hazardous. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
396 WWAK42 PAFC 261713 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 813 AM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 AKZ191-270230- /O.EXT.PAFC.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-201227T1000Z/ Western Aleutians- Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka 813 AM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM AKST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow occurring. Northeast winds sustained 50 to 70 mph with gusts as high as 85 mph. Snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches. * WHERE...Shemya. * WHEN...Until 1 AM AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Areas of blowing and falling snow are reducing visibility to 1/2 mile or less at times. High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Due to the storm track shifting, these conditions are now expected to last through Saturday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow and blowing snow will make travel very hazardous. && $$ AKZ155-270230- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 813 AM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile at times. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
957 WWAK42 PAFC 270107 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 407 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 AKZ155-271415- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 407 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow will significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ191-271000- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-201227T1000Z/ Western Aleutians- Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka 407 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM AKST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow occurring. Sustained northeast winds of 40 to 55 mph with gusts as high as 65 mph. Additional snow accumulation of up to 2 inches. * WHERE...Shemya. * WHEN...Until 1 AM AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Areas of blowing and falling snow are reducing visibility to 1/2 mile at times. High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Due to the storm track shifting, these conditions are expected to last through late tonight. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for blowing snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. && $$ AKZ161-271415- /O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0049.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 407 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY FROM DILLINGHAM WEST... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. East winds sustained 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Bristol Bay, along the coast from Dillingham west. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/2 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow on the leading edge of the front will fall as snow starting early Sunday morning. As the front pushes inland, precipitation will mix with rain, ending the blowing snow threat. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
260 WWAK42 PAFC 270108 CCA WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED National Weather Service Anchorage AK 408 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 AKZ155-271415- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 408 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow will significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ191-271000- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-201227T1000Z/ Western Aleutians- Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka 408 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM AKST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow occurring. Sustained northeast winds of 40 to 55 mph with gusts as high as 65 mph. Additional snow accumulation of up to 2 inches. * WHERE...Shemya. * WHEN...Until 1 AM AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Areas of blowing and falling snow are reducing visibility to 1/2 mile at times. High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Due to the storm track shifting, these conditions are expected to last through late tonight. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for blowing snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. && $$ AKZ161-271415- /O.COR.PAFC.WW.Y.0049.201227T1000Z-201227T2100Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 408 PM AKST Sat Dec 26 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON AKST SUNDAY FROM DILLINGHAM WEST... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. East winds sustained 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Bristol Bay, along the coast from Dillingham west. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/2 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow on the leading edge of the front will fall as snow starting early Sunday morning. As the front pushes inland, precipitation will mix with rain, ending the blowing snow threat. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
144 WWAK42 PAFC 271005 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 105 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 AKZ191-271115- /O.EXP.PAFC.WS.W.0007.000000T0000Z-201227T1000Z/ Western Aleutians- Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka 105 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...WINTER STORM WARNING HAS EXPIRED... Snow showers and gusty winds will continue through Sunday. However, visibilities are expected to improve as wind gusts continue to diminish from their peak yesterday. $$ AKZ155-271500- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.000000T0000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 105 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST TODAY FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow will significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ161-271500- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201227T2100Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 105 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST TODAY FROM DILLINGHAM WEST... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. East winds sustained 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Bristol Bay, along the coast from Dillingham west. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/2 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow on the leading edge of the front will fall as snow starting early Sunday morning. As the front pushes inland, precipitation will mix with rain, ending the blowing snow threat. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
983 WWAK42 PAFC 271220 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 320 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 AKZ155-272100- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.000000T0000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 320 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST TODAY FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. East winds sustained 30 to 40 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta Coast. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow will significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to begin overspreading the area around 1 AM Sunday. Snow will begin to taper off to snow showers around noon Sunday from south to north. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ161-272100- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201227T2100Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 320 AM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST TODAY FROM DILLINGHAM WEST... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. East winds sustained 40 to 50 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Bristol Bay, along the coast from Dillingham west. * WHEN...From 1 AM to noon AKST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing and falling snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/2 mile. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow on the leading edge of the front will fall as snow starting early Sunday morning. As the front pushes inland, precipitation will mix with rain, ending the blowing snow threat. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
373 WWAK42 PAFC 272104 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 1204 PM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 AKZ155-272215- /O.EXP.PAFC.BZ.W.0022.000000T0000Z-201227T2100Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Nunivak Island 1204 PM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...BLIZZARD WARNING FOR THE KUSKOKWIM DELTA COAST HAS EXPIRED... While visibilities have improved above blizzard conditions, expect gusty winds and snow to combine to produce visibilities as low as one-half mile through the afternoon. $$ AKZ161-272215- /O.EXP.PAFC.WW.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201227T2100Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 1204 PM AKST Sun Dec 27 2020 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM DILLINGHAM WEST HAS EXPIRED... Temperatures have warmed allowing rain to mix with snow and diminish the threat of blowing snow. $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this blizzard warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Anchorage, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this blizzard warning went out at Dec 25, 5:21 PM AKST, 1 hour 19 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Dec 25, 5:21 PM AKST, 1 hour 19 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Anchorage AK 521 PM AKST Fri Dec 25 2020 .ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS...A quieter pattern continues for most of Southcentral while things start to become more active over the Bering. The jet is flowing over a ridge across the AK Range at about 70 kts (300mb or 30,000'). Out west, the jet is pushing a strong front towards the Western Aleutians as the jet axis moves from south to north with max winds at 140 kts. It then flattens out as it moves across the Central Aleutians with core winds of 160 kts. The 3 primary systems affecting the sensible weather today are the front approaching the Western Aleutians, a polar trough over the Central Bering, and a weak system falling apart over SW AK. Southeasterly winds are just starting to pick up over the Western Aleutians. The front will bring a big pattern shift across the Bering. A push of polar air across the Central Bering associated with a stacked low near the Pribilof Islands continues to make for very showery conditions. Finally, a weakening system over SW AK continues to produce snow showers inland with some rain/snow showers further south (near King Salmon and Iliamna). && .MODEL DISCUSSION...Models are now in very good agreement and forecast confidence is increasing from moderate to high. There remain a few areas of uncertainty that we will continue to watch. There is strong model agreement on the front moving over the Western Aleutians and into the Bering. They all generally agree that the surface low will drop to about 935 mb as it tracks towards the Rat Islands. The exact track of this low is key as the area of worst conditions will be in a corridor northwest of the low center. Models are all now hinting at a polar low developing in the cold air behind the system, and the exact track of this feature remains highly uncertain. The timing of the front moving into SW AK late Sat into Sun is being handled well by the models. Meanwhile, there is a potent surface low tracking across the northern Gulf of AK through early Sat. Models have now come into better agreement with this feature. The remaining uncertainty revolves around the timing of the warm air and whether or not much snow makes it across the Chugach into Anchorage. && .AVIATION... PANC...VFR conditions and light winds will persist. A period of light snow is possible late in the period beginning late Sat morning to early afternoon. This should start to lower cigs and vis towards MVFR conditions. If heavier snow develops, cigs and vis could drop to IFR by Sat evening. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3)... A surface low is expected to move into the northern Gulf of Alaska tonight and then into Prince William Sound Saturday morning. This low will produce gale force winds across the northern Gulf with localized areas of storm force winds. Due to cold air and high pressure over the Copper Basin at the same time this low moves into Prince William Sound, pressure gradients will be favorable for enhanced winds in Thompson Pass, Valdez Arm/Narrows and the Copper Delta. A Blizzard Warning has been issued for Thompson Pass from 5am AKST Saturday morning through 1pm AKST Saturday afternoon for blowing snow reducing visibility to one quarter mile or less with northeasterly gusts up to 45 mph. Total snow accumulation for Valdez and Thompson Pass will range between 6-12". Some of the light precipitation associated with this low may reach Anchorage Saturday afternoon and evening as cross- barrier flow remains weak and thus minimizes the potential for downslope off the Chugach Mountains. Total snow accumulation for Anchorage will range from a light coating to an inch of new snow. A weakening front will move in from the west Sunday night into Monday morning. This front will bring rain and snow to Kodiak and the southern Kenai Peninsula. However, there is low confidence on the magnitude of the winds as well as the precipitation amounts as guidance shows significant differences in solutions with respect to the placement and intensity of this front. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 and 2)... An upper level trough across Southwest Alaska will keep showers lingering through early Saturday. Behind this feature, ridging builds in across the region, giving a brief break in snowfall before the pattern shifts Saturday night into Sunday morning. A Winter Storm Watch for blizzard conditions has been issued for the Kuskokwim Delta starting Sunday morning as a strong front approaches the Southwest coast. Strong winds and blowing snow will accompany this frontal system as it initially moves inland. Expect reduced visibility to one quarter mile at times in blowing snow from Kipnuk to Hooper Bay, including Nunivak Island. By Sunday afternoon, warmer air will begin to usher in, allowing for snow to quickly change over to all rain. Areas across the Bristol Bay coast will also see strong winds and snowfall on the onset of the front, but temperatures will be warm enough for precipitation to switch over to rain or a mix of rain and snow much earlier on Sunday. Thus, no winter weather products have been issued for this area. By late Sunday, the frontal system will begin to weaken through Monday, with the precipitation transitioning to a mix of rain and snow showers as the system tracks eastward across Southwest Alaska. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 and 2)... Conditions across the central and eastern Bering and Aleutians will improve tonight as two surface lows weaken. The bigger story is a storm force low beginning to move over the western Aleutians this afternoon. Winds will continue to increase overnight for the western Aleutians. The potential for a combination of significant falling and blowing snow by late tonight has lead to the issuance of a Winter Storm Watch for Shemya. Blowing snow and high winds, including hurricane force gusts, are possible late tonight through Saturday evening as cold air filters in behind the occlusion. The GFS is also trying to develop a polar low, which would increase the chance for blowing snow and low visibility to one quarter mile at times for this area. The leading edge of this frontal system will continue its track eastward, crossing over the central Aleutians and Pribilofs by Saturday morning. The Pribilofs will also likely see blowing snow as the front initially moves over the islands, which will then transition to rain as warmer air moves in. Strong storm force winds and widespread precipitation will accompany this system as it works towards the eastern Bering and Alaska Peninsula through Saturday evening and then to the Southwest coast for Sunday morning. && .MARINE (Days 3 through 5: Monday through Wednesday)... Gulf of Alaska: There is increasing confidence in a low tracking from the North Pacific into the western Gulf on Monday, with a front crossing the Gulf waters. This will likely produce at least gale force winds Monday through Monday night, with good potential for at least a small area of storm force winds. Confidence is low for Tuesday through Wednesday, though the pattern will remain favorable for one or more additional lows to move up from the Pacific. Aleutians/Bering: Expect a series of gale to storm force lows to track across the region Monday through Wednesday. It's hard to say where individual storms will track, but most, if not all, of the Bering Sea/Aleutians/Southwest Alaska waters will be impacted. && .LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 3 through 7: Monday through Friday)... Upper level troughing extending from the Bering into the North Pacific moves through the Gulf next week, fizzling out as it pushes to the North Gulf Coast. Multiple shortwaves propagating off a strong Bering low cross south to north across the Southwest Monday through Wednesday, resulting in bands of precipitation across the AKPEN and the Mainland. By midweek, the gradient weakens, transitioning from a closed low to a high amplitude trough feeding into a North Pacific low. There is weak surface reflection with this, thus, impacts are expected to be minimal. The next system of concern will be for a strong low developing West of Shemya late next week. There is high model discrepancy with this, where the EC/Canadian models want to move the low to the north near the Kamchatka Peninsula and become relatively stationary, while the GFS takes a straight shot eastward into the Southern Bering. The GFS solution is also significantly stronger, bringing widespread strong, gusty winds to much of the Bering, Aleutian Chain and Coastal Southwest. The GFS also shows a leading front that could result in widespread precipitation across much of the Mainland with heaviest precipitation likely located along the AKPEN. High pressure will dominate the upper levels across Southcentral through late next week. A short-lived weak surface low tracks north across the Western Gulf early next week, dissipating as it crosses the Barren Islands, resulting in some possibly gusty down Inlet flow. && .AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PUBLIC...NONE. MARINE...Heavy Freezing Spray: 160,180,181,185. Storm Warning: 119,155,170,172-178,180,185,411-413. Gale Warning: 150,160,165,171,179,181,414. FIRE WEATHER...NONE. && SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...MSO SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...ED SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...AH MARINE/LONG TERM...MK/KM
The office that day
Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 3:12 PM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:27 PM AKST | Blizzard Warning | AFC | 22 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 60 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKST | Heavy Freezing Spray Warning | AFC | 12 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:47 PM AKST | Winter Storm Watch | AFC | 3 hr | |
| Dec 25, 3:47 PM AKST | Winter Storm Watch | AFC | 3 hr | |
| Dec 25, 6:40 PM AKST | Winter Storm Warning | AFC | 30 hr | |
| Dec 25, 9:14 PM AKST | Hurricane Force Wind Warning | AFC | 19 hr | |
| Dec 25, 9:35 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 18 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:43 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:43 AM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:44 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:51 AM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 23 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:54 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 72 hr | |
| Dec 26, 3:54 AM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 36 hr |
Nearby
Blizzard Warnings in Alaska, 2020Every blizzard warning in 2020
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.