Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2020

Blizzard Warning 22, NWS Anchorage, AK

December 25, 2020

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.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 25, 3:12 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Dec 25, 3:27 PM AKSTBlizzard WarningAFC22 hr
Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC60 hr
Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC48 hr
Dec 25, 3:42 PM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC12 hr
Dec 25, 3:47 PM AKSTWinter Storm WatchAFC3 hr
Dec 25, 3:47 PM AKSTWinter Storm WatchAFC3 hr
Dec 25, 6:40 PM AKSTWinter Storm WarningAFC30 hr
Dec 25, 9:14 PM AKSTHurricane Force Wind WarningAFC19 hr
Dec 25, 9:35 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC18 hr
Dec 26, 3:43 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC48 hr
Dec 26, 3:43 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC48 hr
Dec 26, 3:44 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC48 hr
Dec 26, 3:51 AM AKSTStorm WarningAFC23 hr
Dec 26, 3:54 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC72 hr
Dec 26, 3:54 AM AKSTStorm WarningAFC36 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.