Alert archive / Alaska / Winter Storm Warnings in 2022
Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Anchorage, AK
NWS Anchorage, AK issued this winter storm warning at Feb 20, 2022, 3:54 PM AKST. It took effect at Feb 21, 2022, 12:00 PM AKST. It was in force for 21 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
- Feb 20, 2022, 3:54 PM AKST (00:54 UTC)
- In effect from
- Feb 21, 2022, 12:00 PM AKST
- Expired
- Feb 22, 2022, 9:00 AM AKST
- In force
- 21 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Anchorage, AK
The text
As transmitted.
292 WWAK41 PAFC 210054 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 354 PM AKST Sun Feb 20 2022 AKZ145-211400- /O.UPG.PAFC.WS.A.0006.220221T2100Z-220222T1800Z/ /O.NEW.PAFC.WS.W.0002.220221T2100Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 354 PM AKST Sun Feb 20 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON MONDAY TO 9 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...From noon Monday to 9 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are also expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light snow begins to overspread the Susitna Valley late Monday morning. Snowfall rates will increase Monday afternoon and continue through Tuesday morning before tapering off and ending around midday Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulations are expected over the northern valley, with 10 to 16 inches likely along the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north. Lesser snow amounts are expected across the southern Susitna Valley, including Willow, with around 3 to 6 inches of snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for 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. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
7 follow-up statements
248 WWAK41 PAFC 210546 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 846 PM AKST Sun Feb 20 2022 AKZ145-211430- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0002.220221T2100Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 846 PM AKST Sun Feb 20 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON MONDAY TO 9 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...From noon Monday to 9 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are also expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light snow begins to overspread the Susitna Valley late Monday morning. Snowfall rates will increase Monday afternoon and continue through Tuesday morning before tapering off and ending around midday Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulations are expected over the northern valley, with 10 to 16 inches likely along the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north. Lesser snow amounts are expected across the southern Susitna Valley, including Willow, with around 3 to 6 inches of snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ AKZ121-211430- /O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.220221T1800Z-220222T0300Z/ Western Kenai Peninsula- Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing 846 PM AKST Sun Feb 20 2022 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM AKST MONDAY FROM SOLDOTNA TO NIKISKI... * WHAT...Snow, freezing rain, and rain expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. Total ice accumulation up to one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...From Soldotna to Nikiski on the Western Kenai Peninsula. * WHEN...From 9 AM to 6 PM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will begin as snow Monday morning, then transition to freezing rain and rain from south to north during the afternoon hours. Snow will hold on longest right along Cook Inlet, with the highest accumulation likely in the Nikiski area. Precipitation could then change back to snow Monday night before ending early Tuesday, but expect little or no additional accumulation. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
159 WWAK41 PAFC 211308 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 408 AM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 AKZ145-220300- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0002.220221T2100Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 408 AM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...From noon today to 9 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are also expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light snow begins to overspread the Susitna Valley late this morning. Snowfall rates will increase this afternoon and persist through Tuesday morning before tapering off and ending around midday Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulations are expected over the northern valley, with 10 to 16 inches likely along the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north. Lesser snow amounts are expected across the southern Susitna Valley, including Willow, due to warmer temperatures and a possible changeover to rain Tuesday. 4 to 8 inches of snow are expected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ AKZ121-220300- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.220221T1800Z-220222T0300Z/ Western Kenai Peninsula- Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing 408 AM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow, freezing rain, and rain expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches. Total ice accumulation up to one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...From Soldotna to Nikiski on the Western Kenai Peninsula. * WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will begin as snow Monday morning, then transition to freezing rain and rain from south to north during the afternoon hours. Snow will hold on longest right along Cook Inlet, with the highest accumulation likely in the Nikiski area. Precipitation could then change back to snow Monday night before ending early Tuesday, but expect little or no additional accumulation. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
401 WWAK41 PAFC 212137 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 1237 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 AKZ145-221330- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 1237 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are also expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light snow begins to overspread the Susitna Valley late this morning. Snowfall rates will increase this afternoon and persist through Tuesday morning before tapering off and ending around midday Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulations are expected over the northern valley, with 10 to 16 inches likely along the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north. Lesser snow amounts are expected across the southern Susitna Valley, including Willow, due to warmer temperatures and a possible changeover to rain Tuesday. 4 to 8 inches of snow are expected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ AKZ121-220300- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-220222T0300Z/ Western Kenai Peninsula- Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing 1237 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow occurring. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches. * WHERE...From Clam Gulch northward. * WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation is expected to remain snow from Clam Gulch northward through the afternoon and possibly into the evening. Heaviest snow amounts from Soldotna to Nikiski. Freezing rain is no longer expected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
897 WWAK41 PAFC 220047 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 347 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 AKZ145-221400- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 347 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are also expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Moderate to heavy snow is expected to continue across the Susitna Valley through the overnight hours. Snowfall rates are expected to diminish Tue morning and largely end by midday Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulations are expected over the northern valley, where an additional 6 to 12 inches are likely along the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north. Lesser snow amounts are expected across the southern Susitna Valley, including Willow with an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow expected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ AKZ121-220300- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-220222T0300Z/ Western Kenai Peninsula- Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing 347 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING FROM CLAM GULCH NORTHWARD... * WHAT...Snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Highest additional amounts near Nikiski. * WHERE...From Clam Gulch northward. * WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to continue for the next couple of hours especially from Soldotna to Nikiski. Lesser snow amounts closer to 2 inches are expected near Soldotna to Kenai with closer to 4 inches near Nikiski. Precipitation is expected to change over to rain especially for Soldotna later this evening. Kenai remains close to the edge of the rain/snow line with uncertainty remaining on whether or not it changes to rain. Nikiski where the deeper cold air remains is expected to hold on to all snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
441 WWAK41 PAFC 220301 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 601 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 AKZ145-221615- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 601 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are also expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Moderate to heavy snow is expected to continue across the Susitna Valley through the overnight hours. Snowfall rates are expected to diminish Tue morning and largely end by midday Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulations are expected over the northern valley, where an additional 6 to 12 inches are likely along the Parks Highway from Talkeetna north. Lesser snow amounts are expected across the southern Susitna Valley, including Willow with an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow expected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ AKZ121-221300- /O.EXT.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-220222T1300Z/ Western Kenai Peninsula- Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing 601 PM AKST Mon Feb 21 2022 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM AKST TUESDAY FROM KENAI TO NIKISKI... * WHAT...Snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Highest additional amounts near Nikiski. * WHERE...From Clam Gulch northward. * WHEN...Until 4 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will linger along the Inlet is from Kenai to Nikiski, while areas to the south and east mix with or change to rain this evening. Highest snow totals will be in the Nikiski area. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
164 WWAK41 PAFC 221233 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 333 AM AKST Tue Feb 22 2022 AKZ121-221345- /O.CAN.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.000000T0000Z-220222T1300Z/ Western Kenai Peninsula- Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing 333 AM AKST Tue Feb 22 2022 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED FROM KENAI TO NIKISKI... All precipitation has ended. $$ AKZ145-221800- /O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 333 AM AKST Tue Feb 22 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of up to 3 inches possible. * WHERE...Susitna Valley. * WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST this morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Reduced visibilities to as low as one half mile are occurring. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall rates are diminishing over the area. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for 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. For the latest road conditions call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
826 WWAK41 PAFC 221811 WSWAER URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 911 AM AKST Tue Feb 22 2022 AKZ145-221915- /O.EXP.PAFC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-220222T1800Z/ Susitna Valley- Including the cities of Talkeetna, Willow, and Cantwell 911 AM AKST Tue Feb 22 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING HAS EXPIRED... Snowfall will continue across the area this morning, however the heaviest snowfall has moved through and visibility is expected to improve. $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this winter storm 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 winter storm warning went out at Feb 20, 5:47 AM AKST, 10 hours 7 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 20, 5:47 AM AKST, 10 hours 7 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Anchorage AK 547 AM AKST Sun Feb 20 2022 .ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS... A large low pressure system that is currently near 52N 172E is moving northeastward. A large upper level ridge of high pressure is currently building across the North Pacific and is extending into the Gulf of Alaska. Another low pressure system is currently developing near 47N 175W and is moving northeastward. The jetstream currently extends from the subtropical central Pacific to over the Kuskokwim Delta and then southeastward to over the Pacific Northwest. Closer to the surface, radar imagery shows precipitation moving northeastward across the Kuskokwim Delta and Bristol Bay. Observations show the precipitation-type to be rain along the immediate coast with snow across the inland locations. Nighttime Microphysics IR and observations show dense fog across the Anchorage Bowl early this morning. && .MODEL DISCUSSION... Forecast confidence remains moderate at this time. Models remain in good synoptic agreement, though there is less agreement on smaller scale features. One major example is the strength of the cross-barrier flow across the Chugach Mountains into the Anchorage Bowl. The NAM shows much stronger cross-barrier flow Monday night and Tuesday compared to the GFS which means the NAM favors warmer temperatures and less precipitation due to stronger downsloping on the leeward side. && .AVIATION... PANC...VLIFR conditions are expected to continue through 20th/19z as dense fog will reduce visibility to 1/4SM or less at times. Conditions will then improve to VFR after 19z when the fog clears. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Today through Tuesday Night)... Upper level ridging is quickly building into Southcentral this morning. A weakening front on the leading edge of the ridge is going to try to squeeze out a flurry around Homer, but the vast majority of the radar reflectivities are virga (precipitation sublimating before it reaches the ground). Otherwise, expect filtered sunshine for much of the day as the predominately high cloud cover moves overhead. Expect that temperatures will be a fair bit cooler today than yesterday owing to the 10 degree colder start to the day. Only Homer, Kodiak and Seward are starting the day above freezing. Precipitation associated with the main storm system will begin early Monday morning in Kodiak, quickly spreading north to the Kenai Peninsula later Monday morning. Any precipitation that starts out as snow should quickly change over to rain with daytime heating. A quick hit of snow or a rain snow mix is possible with the onset of precipitation around lunchtime Monday for Anchorage and the Valley. Meanwhile snow will begin up in the Susitna Valley Monday morning and quickly intensify during the day. With the front causing the main forcing for precipitation expected to drape itself from the Susitna Valley south along Cook Inlet, the Western Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage and the Mat Valley should largely dry out as intensifying southeasterly winds downslope out most of the precipitation Monday afternoon. There is some disagreement as to how effective the downsloping will be at drying the area out, but the south to southeasterly winds aloft will also transport another round of warmer air over the area, making rain the dominant precipitation type after any initial hit of snow. Continued southerly flow overnight Monday night will intensify the snowfall rates over the Susitna Valley. With the southerly flow also transporting somewhat warmer air over the area, think the snow will be a low-ratio heavy, wet consistency. Thus, lowered snow totals a bit despite similar amounts of snow-water equivalent precipitation as previous forecasts. Heavy snow is also expected overnight Monday night into Tuesday morning for many of the area mountains, including through Thompson, Turnagain, and Hatcher Passes. For most areas, the heaviest precipitation will be Monday night. Towards the Cook Inlet Region, unfortunately with all of the strongest forcing remaining west of the area for almost all of the event, we will continue to see strengthening winds through Turnagain Arm and the Knik River Valley. Issued a High Wind Watch for Turnagain Arm and higher elevations for gusts to 75 mph, highlighting Monday night into Tuesday morning. These strong southeasterly winds will keep temperatures safely above freezing in most areas, so chinook downsloping winds will once again take a bite out of our dwindling snowpack. For the Valdez and Thompson Pass area, think that the warm air should stay out of the area due to strong southeasterly flow largely keeping that air out over Prince William Sound. While the heaviest snow will be early Tuesday morning, expect over a foot of wet snow. Downsloping starting in earnest further north along the Richardson Highway will warm things up there as well, with temperatures quickly rising above freezing Monday night as gusty southeasterly winds move into the Glennallen area. Warmed temperatures significantly (more than 10 degrees) from the previous forecast Monday night through Tuesday in Anchorage, the Valley, and into the Copper River Basin. A strong upper level shortwave will act as a broom of sorts, sweeping away the precipitation from southwest to northeast during the day Tuesday. Ahead of this shortwave, expect the heavier precipitation rates to overcome the gusty southeasterly winds through Anchorage and the Valley. Thus, a gusty driving rain is expected for the Tuesday morning commute. Once the shortwave passes through Tuesday morning, everything including the winds will quickly dissipate and end. Ridging will build in right behind it, strengthening over Southcentral through Tuesday night. Another front will move into Kodiak Tuesday night causing a gusty driving rain there through much of the night. The ridge likely holds strong, preventing much northward progress of that front, but guidance disagrees on how far north it gets. For now just a chance of precipitation is forecast for Homer and along the Gulf Coast. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 through 3 - Today through Wednesday morning)... A weak front is pushing north over Southwest Alaska this morning with a broad transition of snow to rain occurring over most areas. Brief periods of freezing rain or a rain and snow mix have been observed but have transitioned to all rain as warm southerly winds increase behind the front. Warm temperatures will persist as a deepening low moves over the Aleutian Chain this morning, with its front reaching the Southwest coast this afternoon. With strong southerly flow along the front and plentiful warm air advection, rain is expected to be the main precipitation type for the region. The Lower Kuskokwim Valley will be the last area to hold on to it's cold air at the surface, so a brief period of freezing rain is possible before the temperatures warm above freezing this evening. Cold air aloft will begin to wrap around the backside of the low Monday afternoon, as another round precipitation moves in from the south. The lift for this precipitation is enhanced by the right entrance region of the jet as it moves overhead. Most of the precipitation will fall as rain close to the Alaska and Aleutian Ranges, with snow expected farther to the west. The exact transition location remains uncertain but it does look like most areas will receive some snow as cold air moves back in from the west Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning. With an abundance of moisture and residual warm air, this snow could be heavy. On Wednesday, yet another north Pacific low moves over the Aleutians and into the Bering, bringing another likely round of mixed precipitation. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3 - Today through Wednesday morning)... The High Wind Warning for the Central Aleutians has been cancelled as a result of a significant shift in the storm track to the east. It remains in effect for the Eastern Aleutians with the strongest winds expected in Nikolski and Akutan. This storm will be a quick hitter, with the strongest winds expected between 11am and 2pm. Gusts to 75 mph are possible in Unalaska, mainly as a result of the isallobaric winds and some cold air advection on the backside of the low and moderate jet support. Any strong winds that do occur will be short lived. The other area that will receive strong winds today is Cold Bay, where channeling has resulted in sustained winds of 45 mph this morning. These are expected to increase to 60 mph as the low passes through to the west. As the storm travels to the north, winds will also increase over the Pribilof Islands this afternoon, but are not expected to be stronger than 50 to 60 mph. Monday should be mostly calm and well above average for temperatures as the low slowly occludes and moves north. On Tuesday a front extending east from a Kamchatka low will moves east across the Chain bringing another round of rain and gale force winds from Atka West. && .Marine (Days 3 through 5: Tuesday through Thursday)... Gulf of Alaska: A barrier jet along the Gulf coast is expected on Tuesday and will weaken Tuesday night. Predominantly south to southeasterly flow is expected in the Gulf through midweek as a ridge shifts east and a North Pacific low approaches the Gulf. A front moving through the Gulf on Wednesday will bring the potential for gales through the western Gulf with the possibility for enhancement to storm force winds through the Barren Islands. Winds may also bend into Shelikof Strait. Another coastal barrier jet could return Thursday evening. Precipitation is also expected with these frontal passages. Seas about 10 feet on Tuesday will build through Wednesday evening with the highest seas to around 17 feet, associated with this front. Higher seas will be aimed towards the western Gulf, south of Kodiak Island to the Kenai Peninsula. Bering Sea/Aleutians: Predominantly southerly flow is expected midweek as a front enters the Western Bering Tuesday. Storm force winds will reach the Western to Central Aleutians and gales stretching north into the Bering on Tuesday. This front will track eastward through Thursday with the passage of a northward moving low. Gales are expected through midweek with some enhancement through bays and gaps. Plenty of warm, southerly moisture will wrap into this low and bring widespread precipitation through midweek. By Thursday afternoon, another, less vigorous low follows into the Bering. Seas up to 18 feet with the strongest winds near the front through Wednesday in the Bering. On the Pacific side, seas will be widespread 15 to 20 feet for the Western and Central Aleutians. && .Long Term Discussion (Days 4 through 7: Wednesday through Saturday)... A couple of key features in the long term include a strong upper level ridge along an axis that extends from the northern Gulf of Alaska northward over the North Slope, and a broad upper level trough over the western Bering. Several upper level waves in between these two features will lift from south to north over the central Bering, introducing widespread precipitation across the Bering and Southwest Alaska. This pattern will also bring a surge of warmer, southerly flow across much of the southern part of the state as well as the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutians. By Friday, the broad upper level trough that initially started out over the Bering shifts eastward, laying down tracks for several North Pacific lows to lift inland over Southcentral through next weekend. Overall, an active pattern will continue through the next week. By the weekend, a much colder airmass will settle in place over the western Bering while a warmer airmass will remain parked over the northern Gulf. && .AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PUBLIC...High Wind Warning 185. High Wind Watch 101. Dense Fog Advisory 101. MARINE...Storm Warning 165 170 172 174 414. Gale Warning 130 155 171 173 175 176 178 179 180 181 185 411 412 413. Heavy Freezing Spray Warning 185. FIRE WEATHER...NONE. && SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...ED SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...JW SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...CJ MARINE/LONG TERM...VR/KO
In the hours before
Local storm report, Feb 20, 1:21 PM AKST, 2 hours 33 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANCHORAGE AK
121 PM AKST SUN FEB 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1139 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 35 WSW AKUTAN 53.90N 166.54W
02/20/2022 M72 MPH PKZ171 AK ASOS
SPECIAL REMARK IN METAR FOR OBS WIND AT
UNALASKA AIRPORT: 130 DEG 72 KTS AT 2039Z.
&&
RUXLocal storm report, Feb 20, 1:22 PM AKST, 2 hours 32 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANCHORAGE AK
122 PM AKST SUN FEB 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1139 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 35 WSW AKUTAN 53.90N 166.54W
02/20/2022 M83 MPH PKZ171 AK ASOS
CORRECTS PREVIOUS NON-TSTM WND GST REPORT
FROM 35 WSW AKUTAN. SPECIAL REMARK IN METAR
FOR OBS WIND AT UNALASKA AIRPORT: 130 DEG 72
KTS AT 2039Z.
&&
RUXLocal storm report, Feb 20, 1:39 PM AKST, 2 hours 15 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANCHORAGE AK
139 PM AKST SUN FEB 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1148 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 35 WSW AKUTAN 53.89N 166.53W
02/20/2022 M92 MPH ALEUTIANS WEST AK MESONET
MESONET DUTCH HARBOR PORT OBSERVATION SSE
WIND GUST MEASURED AT 79.6 KTS.
&&
RUXLocal storm report, Feb 20, 1:47 PM AKST, 2 hours 7 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANCHORAGE AK
147 PM AKST SUN FEB 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1151 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 35 WSW AKUTAN 53.89N 166.54W
02/20/2022 M79 MPH ALEUTIANS WEST AK MESONET
MESONET AT DUTCH HARBOR PILOT STATION
RECORDED ESE WIND GUST OF 68.5 KTS.
&&
RUXLocal storm report, Feb 20, 1:58 PM AKST, 1 hour 56 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANCHORAGE AK
158 PM AKST SUN FEB 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1139 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 35 WSW AKUTAN 53.90N 166.54W
02/20/2022 M83 MPH ALEUTIANS WEST AK ASOS
CORRECTS PREVIOUS NON-TSTM WND GST REPORT
FROM 35 WSW AKUTAN. SPECIAL REMARK IN METAR
FOR OBS WIND AT UNALASKA AIRPORT: 130 DEG 72
KTS AT 2039Z.
&&
RUXLocal storm report, Feb 20, 2:58 PM AKST, 56 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ANCHORAGE AK
258 PM AKST SUN FEB 20 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0212 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 2 WNW NIKOLSKI 52.97N 168.85W
02/20/2022 M87 MPH ALEUTIANS WEST AK MESONET
CORRECTS PREVIOUS NON-TSTM WND GST REPORT
FROM 2 WNW NIKOLSKI. MESONET STATION NKLA2 1
WNW NIKOLSKI. PEAK GUST REPORTED AT 1002.
GUSTS OF 70 PLUS BEGAN AT 0922 AND THE FIRST
GUST OF 80 PLUS BEGAN 0952. WIND GUST
REPORTED AT 1152 WAS 82 MPH AND THE
FOLLOWING 3 OBS HAD MISSING WIND DATA.
SUSTAINED WINDS REGULARLY OCCURRING ABOVE 40
MPH. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 60 PLUS FOR 20
MINUTES 0942 TO 1002. NEW PEAK GUST 87 MPH
AT 1412.
&&
RUXThe office that day
Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20, 3:13 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 72 hr | |
| Feb 20, 3:16 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 61 hr | |
| Feb 20, 3:16 PM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 72 hr | |
| Feb 20, 3:38 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Feb 20, 3:38 PM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 4 days | |
| Feb 20, 8:46 PM AKST | Winter Weather Advisory | AFC | 31 hr | |
| Feb 21, 3:29 AM AKST | Brisk Wind Advisory | AFC | 12 hr | |
| Feb 21, 3:29 AM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 7 days | |
| Feb 21, 3:55 AM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Feb 21, 4:11 AM AKST | Winter Weather Advisory | AFC | 21 hr |
Nearby
Winter Storm Warnings in Alaska, 2022Every winter storm warning in 2022
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.