Alert archive / Alaska / Wind Chill Advisories in 2020

Wind Chill Advisory 49, NWS Fairbanks, AK

December 19, 2020

NWS Fairbanks, AK issued this wind chill advisory at Dec 19, 2020, 12:42 AM AKST. It was in force for 28 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 19, 2020, 12:42 AM AKST (09:42 UTC)
Expired
Dec 20, 2020, 5:02 AM AKST
In force
28 hr
Issued by
NWS Fairbanks, AK

The text

As transmitted.

958 
WWAK43 PAFG 190942
WSWAFG

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
1242 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

AKZ219-200300-
/O.NEW.PAFG.WW.Y.0121.201219T0942Z-201220T0300Z/
Upper Koyukuk Valley-
Including Allakaket, Hughes, Bettles, Caribou Mountain, 
and Gobblers Knob
1242 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Blowing snow and cold wind chills expected. Winds gusting
  as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow over
  summits reducing visibility and wind chill values to 40 below.

* WHERE...Summits.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM today.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means that
visibilities will be limited due to strong winds blowing snow
around. Use caution when traveling, especially in open areas. The
latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

AKZ218-200300-
/O.NEW.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.201219T0942Z-201220T0300Z/
Southeastern Brooks Range-
Including Arctic Village, Wiseman, Coldfoot, Chandalar DOT Camp, 
and Iniakuk Lake
1242 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Expect wind chills to 50
  below zero.

* WHERE...Passes.

* WHEN...Now to 6 PM this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and sustained wind
speeds of 15 mph or more will create low wind chills. Frost bite
and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

$$

AKZ220-200300-
/O.NEW.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.201219T0942Z-201220T0300Z/
Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands-
Including Fort Yukon, Venetie, Central, Circle, Stevens Village, 
Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Birch Creek, Circle Hot Springs, 
Eagle Summit, and Twelvemile Summit
1242 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills and blowing snow expected. Expect
  wind chills to 50 below. Plan on areas of poor visibilities in
  blowing and drifting snow over summits.

* WHERE...Summits.

* WHEN...Now to 6 PM this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and sustained wind
speeds of 15 mph or more will create low wind chills. Frost bite
and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

$$
3 follow-up statements
967 
WWAK43 PAFG 191356
WSWAFG

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
456 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

AKZ219-200300-
/O.EXT.PAFG.WW.Y.0121.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Upper Koyukuk Valley-
Including Allakaket, Hughes, Bettles, Caribou Mountain, 
and Gobblers Knob
456 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow and cold wind chills expected. Winds 
  gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting 
  snow over summits reducing visibility and wind chill values to 
  40 below.

* WHERE...Summits.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means periods of
blowing snow will cause travel difficulties. The latest road
conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

AKZ218-200300-
/O.EXT.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Southeastern Brooks Range-
Including Arctic Village, Wiseman, Coldfoot, Chandalar DOT Camp, 
and Iniakuk Lake
456 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Expect wind chills to 
  50 below zero.

* WHERE...Passes.

* WHEN...Now to 6 AM Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and sustained wind
speeds of 15 mph or more will create low wind chills. Frost bite
and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

$$

AKZ220-200300-
/O.EXT.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands-
Including Fort Yukon, Venetie, Central, Circle, Stevens Village, 
Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Birch Creek, Circle Hot Springs, 
Eagle Summit, and Twelvemile Summit
456 AM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills and blowing snow expected. Expect 
  wind chills to 50 below. Plan on areas of poor visibilities in 
  blowing and drifting snow over summits.

* WHERE...Summits.

* WHEN...Now to 6 AM Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and sustained wind
speeds of 15 mph or more will create low wind chills. Frost bite
and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

$$
438 
WWAK43 PAFG 192222
WSWAFG

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
122 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020


AKZ219-201500-
/O.CON.PAFG.WW.Y.0121.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Upper Koyukuk Valley-
Including Allakaket, Hughes, Bettles, Caribou Mountain, 
and Gobblers Knob
122 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow and cold wind chills expected. Winds gusting
  as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow over
  summits reducing visibility and wind chill values to 45 below.

* WHERE...Summits.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means periods of
blowing snow will cause travel difficulties. The latest road
conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

$$

AKZ218-201500-
/O.CON.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Southeastern Brooks Range-
Including Arctic Village, Wiseman, Coldfoot, Chandalar DOT Camp, 
and Iniakuk Lake
122 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Expect wind chills to 
  50 below zero.

* WHERE...Passes.

* WHEN...Now to 6 AM Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and sustained wind
speeds of 15 mph or more will create low wind chills. Frost bite
and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

$$

AKZ220-201500-
/O.CON.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands-
Including Fort Yukon, Venetie, Central, Circle, Stevens Village, 
Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Birch Creek, Circle Hot Springs, 
Eagle Summit, and Twelvemile Summit
122 PM AKST Sat Dec 19 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills and blowing snow expected. Expect 
  wind chills to 50 below. Plan on areas of poor visibilities in 
  blowing and drifting snow over summits.

* WHERE...Summits.

* WHEN...Now to 6 AM Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Cold wind chills will cause frostbite in 
  as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and sustained wind
speeds of 15 mph or more will create low wind chills. Frost bite
and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.

$$
902 
WWAK43 PAFG 201402
WSWAFG

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
502 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020


AKZ219-201515-
/O.CAN.PAFG.WW.Y.0121.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Upper Koyukuk Valley-
Including Allakaket, Hughes, Bettles, Caribou Mountain, 
and Gobblers Knob
502 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

$$

AKZ218-220-201515-
/O.CAN.PAFG.WC.Y.0049.000000T0000Z-201220T1500Z/
Southeastern Brooks Range-Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands-
Including Arctic Village, Wiseman, Coldfoot, Chandalar DOT Camp, 
Iniakuk Lake, Fort Yukon, Venetie, Central, Circle, 
Stevens Village, Beaver, Chalkyitsik, Birch Creek, 
Circle Hot Springs, Eagle Summit, and Twelvemile Summit
502 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this wind chill advisory went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Fairbanks, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this wind chill advisory went out at Dec 18, 1:42 PM AKST, 11 hours earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 18, 1:42 PM AKST, 11 hours before
Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
142 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
A high latitude blocking high over the Chukchi Sea with troughing
over the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska continues to dominate the
weather pattern over Northern Alaska. Cold arctic air continues
to spill into the Interior and across the North Slope with
blustery northeast winds and cold wind chills, however a pattern
change is on the way with clouds and light snow moving into the
southeast Interior tonight and continuing through the weekend.
Strong winds will develop through the Alaska Range on Monday and
continue into Tuesday. Much warmer temperatures will push into
the Interior Monday and Tuesday as a potentially significant
winter storm takes aim on the West Coast Monday and Tuesday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Upper Levels and Analysis...
The persistent 542 dam 500 hpa blocking high that has dominated
Northern Alaska weather for the past several days is beginning to
weaken and push to the west. The strong easterly gradient and
strong cold air advection into the interior is weakening and will
retreat to the North Slope through the Weekend as weak shortwaves
push into the Southeast Interior tonight through Sunday. Mostly
dry and cold conditions prevail over Northern Alaska, with the
exception of a few snow showers over the Bering Sea and St
Lawrence Island. A 488 dam 500 hpa trough pushes west over Western
Alaska and the Eastern Bering Sea as a strong upper level ridge
builds rapidly north and east over Eastern Alaska and the Yukon on
Monday. Strong southerly cross barrier flow develops over the
Alaska Range and will develop into a significant mountain wave
event bringing much warmer temperatures over Northern Alaska and
very strong winds in the and near the northern foothills of the
Alaksa Range. 850 mb temperatures will increase from around 20
below this afternoon to around zero to 2 above by Tuesday morning.
A potentially significant winter storm continues to be indicated
by model guidance to develop in the Southern Bering Sea on Monday.
A strong front rotating around the low will push into the Yk
Delta Monday afternoon and will continue to push up the coast
Tuesday. Heavy snow and strong winds are likely to accompany the
front. At this time winds are expected to remain off shore with
minimal coastal impacts as far as elevated water levels, erosion,
or ice pushes are expected along the West Coast.

Central and Eastern Interior...
Cold and blustery conditions continue through through this evening
but begin to improve later tonight as winds decrease and temperatures
increase with clouds and light snow moving into the Southern
Interior later this evening, however very cold temperatures in
the 30s to near 40 below are expected again tonight over the
Northern Interior before clouds move into the area by morning.
The first round of light snow moves into the ALCAN and Eastern AK
Range and west toward the Fortymile Uplands and into the White
Mountains this evening and tonight. Light snow is also possible
for the Tanana Valley, but it will be minimal if any snow actually
makes it through the very dry air in place. The next threat for
snow looks better for the Eastern Interior and possibly west into
the Central Interior, as well. This system will move in Saturday
afternoon through Sunday as it lifts northward, bringing light
snow accumulations. Temps drop again Sunday night as a quick shot
of arctic air moves through before a big ridge builds in aloft on
Monday, bringing a significant warm up on Tuesday. Very strong
winds are expected to develop in and near the northern foothills
of the Alaska Range on Monday afternoon and will continue into
Tuesday as a strong mountain wave sets up over the Alaska Range
Monday. Much warmer temperatures will push into the interior on
Monday and Tuesday with strong inversions likely in southern
Interior Valleys.

West Coast and Western Interior...
Strong and blustery easterly offshore winds continue to dominate
along the West Coast, keeping the whole region, including the
Interior, dry. A few flurries are falling over the Lower Yukon
associated with some low stratus, but this will not amount to
anything. Snow showers and blowing snow are also impacting Saint
Lawrence Island. Some light snow will be possible on Saturday as a
weak disturbance clips the Western Interior, otherwise, no major
weather impacts are anticipated beyond the current blustery wind
chills. Monday and Tuesday, a potentially significant winter
storm will move into the West Coast and possibly the Interior.
Details on the track and timing of this storm remain uncertain,
however at this time weather models continue to indicate the
potential for heavy snow and strong winds as a front rotating
around the low pushes up the coast on Monday. At this time winds
are expected to remain off shore with minimal coastal impacts as
far as elevated water levels, erosion, or ice pushes are expected
along the West Coast.

North Slope and Brooks Range...
Cold and blustery northeast winds continue with areas of blowing
and drifting snow. This same pattern continues into the weekend,
although it will wane over the Eastern Arctic Saturday as the
gradient relaxes there. Expect the worst blowing snow conditions
to remain over the West Coast over the next few days. The other
big story will be bitterly cold wind chills as a second surge of
arctic air moves in, bringing even colder temps and dangerously
cold wind chills.

Coastal Hazard Potential Days 3 and 4...
Computer models continue to indicate that a strong storm will
develop in the Southern Bering Sea on Monday. At this time the
forecasted track of the storm will produce mostly off shore winds
with minimal coastal impacts as far as elevated water levels,
erosion, or ice pushes expected along the West Coast with the this
storm.

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Chill Advisory for AKZ220.

Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ201-AKZ203-AKZ219.

Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for PKZ210.

Gale Warning for PKZ225.

Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ220-PKZ230.
&&

CCC DEC 20

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Dec 18, 7:42 PM AKST, 5 hours before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
742 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

AKZ207>216-191500-
Chukchi Sea Coast-Lower Kobuk and Noatak Valleys-
Baldwin Peninsula and Selawik Valley-
Northern and Interior Seward Peninsula-
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills-
St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait Coast-Yukon Delta-
Lower Yukon Valley-Lower Koyukuk and Middle Yukon Valleys-
Including Point Hope, Shishmaref, Kivalina, Espenberg, Noatak,
Kiana, Red Dog Mine, Kotzebue, Selawik, Noorvik, Buckland,
Deering, Candle, Council, Haycock, Pilgrim Springs,
Serpentine Hot Springs, Taylor, Nome, White Mountain, Golovin,
Unalakleet, Stebbins, St Michael, Elim, Koyuk, Shaktoolik,
Gambell, Savoonga, Brevig Mission, Teller, Wales, Diomede,
Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik, Pilot Station,
St Marys, Scammon Bay, Marshall, Nunam Iqua, Pitkas Point,
Russian Mission, Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk, Anvik, Flat,
Galena, Nulato, Huslia, Kaltag, Ruby, and Koyukuk
742 PM AKST Fri Dec 18 2020

...Winter Storm to move to the West Coast Monday...

A strong Winter Storm will move to the Central Bering Sea Monday
sending a weather front up the West Coast Monday and Tuesday.

Strong winds and heavy snow will develop along the front and
spread up the West Coast with Blizzard conditions possible on St
Lawrence Island, in the Bering Strait, and on the Western Capes.

The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Nulato Hills and
Bendeleben Mountains with up to 9 inches of snow possible. The
remainder of the area can expect up to 4 inches of snow.

Winds will generally be from the northeast to east so no coastal
impacts are anticipated at this time.

The is still some uncertainty so check back for updates at
www.weather.gov/fairbanks.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Fairbanks, AK issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 19, 12:18 AM AKSTWind Chill AdvisoryAFG29 hr
Dec 19, 12:42 AM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFG28 hr
Dec 19, 5:19 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFG25 hr
Dec 19, 1:40 PM AKSTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFG17 hr

Nearby

Wind Chill Advisories in Alaska, 2020Every wind chill advisory 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.