Alert archive / Alaska / Winter Storm Warnings in 2022

Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Anchorage, AK

February 20, 2022

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.

&&

RUX
Local 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.

&&

RUX
Local 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.

&&

RUX
Local 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.

&&

RUX
Local 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.

&&

RUX
Local 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.

&&

RUX

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 20, 3:13 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC72 hr
Feb 20, 3:16 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC61 hr
Feb 20, 3:16 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC72 hr
Feb 20, 3:38 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC48 hr
Feb 20, 3:38 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC4 days
Feb 20, 8:46 PM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFC31 hr
Feb 21, 3:29 AM AKSTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFC12 hr
Feb 21, 3:29 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC7 days
Feb 21, 3:55 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Feb 21, 4:11 AM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFC21 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.