Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2023

Blizzard Warning 4, NWS Anchorage, AK

February 12, 2023

NWS Anchorage, AK issued this blizzard warning at Feb 12, 2023, 2:58 AM AKST. It took effect at Feb 13, 2023, 6:00 AM AKST. It was in force for 25 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 12, 2023, 2:58 AM AKST (11:58 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 13, 2023, 6:00 AM AKST
Expired
Feb 14, 2023, 6:53 AM AKST
In force
25 hr
Issued by
NWS Anchorage, AK

The text

As transmitted.

451 
WWAK42 PAFC 121158
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
258 AM AKST Sun Feb 12 2023

AKZ195-130200-
/O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.230213T1500Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
258 AM AKST Sun Feb 12 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 9 AM AKST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
  7 to 9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. Reduced
  visibilities to one quarter mile. 

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...From 6 AM Monday to 9 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and gusty northeasterly winds are
  expected to begin early Monday morning, bringing blizzard
  conditions to the Pribilof Islands. Blowing snow will reduced
  visibilities to one quarter mile. Strong winds and snowfall
  wrapping around the north side of the low will keep the Pribilof
  Islands in persistent blizzard conditions into Tuesday morning.
  

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
7 follow-up statements
882 
WWAK42 PAFC 130101
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
401 PM AKST Sun Feb 12 2023

AKZ187-131400-
/O.NEW.PAFC.WS.W.0002.230213T0200Z-230213T1500Z/
Central Aleutians-
Including the city of Atka and Adak
401 PM AKST Sun Feb 12 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Visibility reduced to one half
  mile or less at times. East winds gusting as high as 80 mph.

* WHERE...Central Aleutians.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce 
  visibility. Very strong winds could damage property and cause 
  power outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong front will approach from the south
  this evening with precipitation along the front initially
  beginning as heavy snow. Temperatures will warm as the front
  lifts north past the Aleutians overnight, allowing snow to 
  change over to mainly rain. The strongest winds gusting between 
  70 and 80 mph will also drop off rapidly behind the frontal 
  passage, leading to overall improving conditions early Monday 
  morning.

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. 

&&

$$

AKZ195-131400-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.230213T1500Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
401 PM AKST Sun Feb 12 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 9 AM
AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
  6 to 9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. Reduced 
  visibilities to one quarter mile.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...From 6 AM Monday to 9 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and gusty northeasterly winds are
  expected to begin early Monday morning, bringing blizzard
  conditions to the Pribilof Islands. Strong winds and snowfall 
  wrapping around the north side of the low will keep the Pribilof
  Islands in persistent blizzard conditions into Tuesday morning.

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
152 
WWAK42 PAFC 131412
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
512 AM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

AKZ187-131515-
/O.CAN.PAFC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-230213T1500Z/
Central Aleutians-
Including the city of Atka and Adak
512 AM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Winds have started to diminish across the Central Aleutians.
Precipitation will gradually lighten through the day today,
however periods of slightly reduced visibility remain possible at
times as winds continue to decrease. 

$$

AKZ195-140300-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.230213T1500Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
512 AM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 6 to 9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. Reduced 
  visibilities to one quarter mile.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and gusty northeasterly winds are
  expected to begin early this morning, bringing blizzard 
  conditions to the Pribilof Islands. Strong winds and snowfall 
  wrapping around the north side of the low will keep the Pribilof
  Islands in persistent blizzard conditions into Tuesday morning.

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
863 
WWAK42 PAFC 131556
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
656 AM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

AKZ195-140500-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
656 AM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 6 to 9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. Reduced 
  visibilities to one quarter mile.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and gusty northeasterly winds are 
  expected to begin early this morning, bringing blizzard 
  conditions to the Pribilof Islands. Strong winds and snowfall 
  wrapping around the north side of the low will keep the 
  Pribilof Islands in persistent blizzard conditions into 
  Tuesday morning.

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.

&&

$$

AKZ185-140300-
/O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0017.230213T1556Z-230214T0300Z/
Eastern Aleutians-
Including the cities of Unalaska and Nikolski
656 AM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

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

* WHAT...Snow expected. Snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches. 
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Eastern Aleutians.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Heavy high moisture content snow could stress
  infrastructure not designed to handle heavy weight. Travel will
  be difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Liquid equivalent of snow will be close one
  inch for this event, a very high density snowfall. Snow and 
  gusty winds could also reduce visibility to one half mile or 
  less at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
008 
WWAK42 PAFC 132236
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
136 PM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

AKZ185-132345-
/O.CAN.PAFC.WW.Y.0017.000000T0000Z-230214T0300Z/
Eastern Aleutians-
Including the cities of Unalaska and Nikolski
136 PM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The air mass has warmed enough to turn to rain in several
locations, accumulating snow has ended.

$$

AKZ195-141145-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
136 PM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Additional snow
  accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.
  Visibilities reduced to one quarter mile.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and gusty northeasterly winds are 
  expected to begin early this morning, bringing blizzard 
  conditions to the Pribilof Islands. Strong winds and snowfall 
  wrapping around the north side of the low will keep the 
  Pribilof Islands in persistent blizzard conditions into 
  Tuesday morning.

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
337 
WWAK42 PAFC 140043
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
343 PM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

AKZ191-141400-
/O.NEW.PAFC.WS.W.0003.230214T2000Z-230215T0600Z/
Western Aleutians-
Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka
343 PM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 9 PM AKST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Visibility reduced to one half 
  mile or less at times. Winds gusting as high as 80 mph.

* WHERE...Western Aleutians.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 9 PM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. Very strong winds 
  could damage property and cause power outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong front will approach from the south
  late Tuesday morning with temperatures initially near or below
  freezing, allowing precipitation along the front to fall as
  snow. Winds will drop off quickly as the front moves through
  Tuesday evening and as snow begins to mix with rain, leading to
  rapidly improving conditions.

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. 

&&

$$

AKZ195-141400-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
343 PM AKST Mon Feb 13 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions occurring. Additional snow
  accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 
  mph. Visibilities reduced to one quarter mile or less.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on very difficult travel conditions, with 
  whiteout conditions at times.
 
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and gusty northeasterly winds are
  expected to continue to bring blizzard conditions to the
  Pribilof Islands this evening. Strong winds and snowfall 
  wrapping around the north side of the low will keep the Pribilof
  Islands in persistent blizzard conditions into Tuesday morning.

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
864 
WWAK42 PAFC 141421
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
521 AM AKST Tue Feb 14 2023

AKZ195-150300-
/O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0005.230215T1800Z-230216T0300Z/
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-230214T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
521 AM AKST Tue Feb 14 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS MORNING...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM AKST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions
  occurring. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
  Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Reduced visibilities to one
  quarter mile or less. For the second Blizzard Warning, blizzard
  conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.
  Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. Reduced visibilities to one 
  quarter mile or less.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...For the first Blizzard Warning, until 9 AM AKST this 
  morning. For the second Blizzard Warning, from 9 AM to 6 PM 
  AKST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on very difficult travel conditions, with
  whiteout conditions at times. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the first Blizzard Warning: Snowfall
  and gusty northeasterly winds will diminish early this morning
  with the departure of a front. For the second Blizzard Warning: A
  new front will bring another round of strong winds and snowfall
  to the Pribilof Islands on Wednesday. Gusty southeasterly winds
  are expected to peak Wednesday afternoon before diminishing in 
  the evening. Snowfall will likely be heaviest Wednesday morning 
  through Wednesday afternoon before precipitation transitions to 
  a rain/snow mix in the evening. Strong winds combined with new 
  and recent snowfall are expected to promote blizzard conditions 
  Wednesday morning into Wednesday evening.
 

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. 

&&

$$

AKZ191-150300-
/O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0003.230214T2000Z-230215T0600Z/
Western Aleutians-
Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka
521 AM AKST Tue Feb 14 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING
TO 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Visibility reduced to one half 
  mile or less at times. Winds gusting as high as 80 mph.

* WHERE...Western Aleutians.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 9 PM AKST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions, with whiteout
  conditions at times. Areas of blowing snow could significantly 
  reduce visibility. Very strong winds could damage property and 
  cause power outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong front will approach from the south
  late this morning with temperatures initially near or below
  freezing, allowing precipitation along the front to fall as
  snow. Winds will drop off quickly as the front moves through
  this evening and as snow begins to mix with rain, leading to 
  rapidly improving conditions.

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. 

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
792 
WWAK42 PAFC 141553
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
653 AM AKST Tue Feb 14 2023

AKZ195-150500-
/O.CAN.PAFC.BZ.W.0004.000000T0000Z-230214T1800Z/
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0005.230215T1800Z-230216T0300Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
653 AM AKST Tue Feb 14 2023

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM AKST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. Reduced 
  visibilities to one quarter mile or less.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...From 9 AM to 6 PM AKST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on very difficult travel conditions, with 
  whiteout conditions at times.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The first round of blizzard conditions is
  coming to an end as winds diminish through the day. 

  A new front will bring another round of strong winds and 
  snowfall to the Pribilof Islands on Wednesday. Gusty 
  southeasterly winds are expected to peak Wednesday afternoon 
  before diminishing in the evening. Snowfall will likely be 
  heaviest Wednesday morning through Wednesday afternoon before 
  precipitation transitions to a rain/snow mix in the evening. 
 
 Strong winds combined with new and recent snowfall are expected 
 to promote blizzard conditions Wednesday morning into Wednesday 
 evening.

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. 

&&

$$

AKZ191-150500-
/O.CON.PAFC.WS.W.0003.230214T2000Z-230215T0600Z/
Western Aleutians-
Including the city of Shemya and Amchitka
653 AM AKST Tue Feb 14 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING
TO 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Visibility reduced to one half 
  mile or less at times. Winds gusting as high as 80 mph.

* WHERE...Western Aleutians.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 9 PM AKST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions, with whiteout 
  conditions at times. Areas of blowing snow could significantly 
  reduce visibility. Very strong winds could damage property and 
  cause power outages.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong front will approach from the 
  south late this morning with temperatures initially near or 
  below freezing, allowing precipitation along the front to fall 
  as snow. Winds will drop off quickly as the front moves 
  through this evening and as snow begins to mix with rain, 
  leading to rapidly improving conditions.

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.

&&

$$

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 Feb 11, 4:40 PM AKST, 10 hours 18 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 11, 4:40 PM AKST, 10 hours 18 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
440 PM AKST Sat Feb 11 2023

.ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS...

An upper level long-wave trough dominates most of Alaska and the
Bering Sea, anchored by a broad upper level low over St. Lawrence
Island. Several short-waves are rotating around the broad upper
low, with one primary short-wave trough extending over much of
Southern Alaska and the Gulf of Alaska.

At the surface, broad low pressure is slowly moving east over the
AKPen and Kodiak Island. Analysis also shows a low pressure trough
stretching from the western Gulf into the North Pacific south of
the eastern Aleutians.

Areas of light snow are occurring from Southcentral to Southwest
Alaska where broad low pressure is in place. Light rain is
occurring mainly in the Prince William Sound region with relative
warm onshore flow.

&&

.MODEL DISCUSSION...

Models remain in decent agreement with the synoptic features
through Tuesday. The biggest challenge in the near-term will be
determining the most likely evolution of the surface low moving
into the northern Gulf tonight, and the location and strength of
any enhanced areas along the front associated with that low. Main
impacts with this uncertainty continue to center around marine
winds and timing of heavier precip. Further out, models remain in
decent agreement regarding the general track and strength of a
strong low pressure system expected to move across the Aleutians
on Monday into Tuesday.

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...Predominantly MVFR vis with 2-4SM in light snow and MVFR-
VFR cigs through the TAF period. CIG/VIS could drop to IFR with
any heavier snow bands snow moving through.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3/Tonight
through Tuesday)...

An active weather pattern will continue for the next few days
across Southcentral Alaska as a series of lows move across the
region. Radar imagery shows snow moving across the Anchorage Bowl,
Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound and the Matanuska Valley
this afternoon. Snow will continue on Sunday as this low lingers
in the northern Gulf near Prince William Sound. The position of
this low will help minimize the downslope forcing across the
Anchorage Bowl and thus keep the chances for snowfall high. Snow
will then taper off across the region Sunday night into Monday.

The other major story will be the strong northwesterly flow and
cold air advection behind this low Sunday through Tuesday. Strong
northwesterly gap flow is expected across the waters encompassing
the western Gulf of Alaska. Heavy freezing spray is expected due
to the cold temperatures in conjunction with these strong winds.
These strong northwesterly winds will gust to hurricane force at
times in the bays and passes due to the localized funneling of
winds. A Blizzard Warning has been issued for Homer for Sunday
afternoon and evening due to these strong winds resulting in
blowing snow that will reduce visibility to one quarter of a mile
or less at times.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 through 3/Tonight
through Tuesday)...

Cold will persist throughout Southwest Alaska through Monday
night, especially for the Kuskokwim Delta. Wind chills will
generally run 20 to 30 below zero overnight for the Delta with
winds easing tomorrow. However, the lower winds will allow
temperatures to drop lower Sunday night. The one caveat is that
if low clouds and fog develop it would keep temperatures from
being as cold.

The next front will start to impact the Kuskokwim Delta and
Bristol Bay coast late Monday into Monday night. This will
increase winds again for the area. It may also bring in some snow
and blowing snow, but that completely depends on how far north
the front is able to push, and that is a big uncertainty at this
time.

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3/Tonight
through Tuesday)...

Lots of action for the Bearing Sea and Aleutians the next few
days. A strong low will approach the Western Aleutians Sunday and
that will bring in very strong winds to the Central and Western
Aleutians. It will be cold enough for snow as the front approaches
so there may be some periods of heavy snow in strong winds for
Adak late Sunday afternoon and evening. This may cause some
significantly reduced visibility in the snow at times, but as
temperatures will be approaching freezing, visibilities are not
expected to drop to blizzard conditions. It looks like the front
will push through overnight turning the precipitation to rainfall.
Adak could see some strong winds and heavy snow again Monday
night when the cold advection in the northwest winds wrap into
that area.

Dutch Harbor may also see a periods of strong winds and heavy
snow Sunday night, but precipitation there is also expected to
turn to rain by morning.

As the front moves northward, the Pribilof Islands may see another
round of snow and blowing snow on Monday with Blizzard conditions
possible.

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Wednesday through
Saturday)...

A highly amplified pattern is expected next week with a series of
strong lows forecast to track across the region. The run to run
continuity with the models is resulting in low forecast
confidence this forecast period. But there are a few things to
glean. The Gulf of Alaska looks active. Out west, a low near
Kamchatka, potentially as deep as 944 mb, pushes a storm force
front into the western and central Aleutians on Wednesday. The
front sweeps to the eastern Aleutians by Thursday. Model uncertainty
amplifies with time. Generally expect a series of short-waves
embedded in the long-wave pattern to traverse the Bering Sea
region. This will result in continued active weather from the
Aleutians to southern Alaska. The overall progressive upper level
flow will maintain a cold enough airmass to support primarily snow
over southern Alaska.

&&

.AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PUBLIC...Blizzard Warning 121.
MARINE...Heavy Freezing Spray Warning 130 131 132 136 137 138 139 141
                                      150 160 165 179 180 185.
         Storm Warning 120 130 131 138 175 176 177 178.
         Gale Warning 119 121 132 136 137 139 141 150 155 170 172 173 174.
FIRE WEATHER...NONE.

&&

SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...NR
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...ED
SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...EZ
LONG TERM...PS

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 11, 3:09 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC37 hr
Feb 11, 3:09 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC61 hr
Feb 11, 3:09 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC37 hr
Feb 11, 3:09 PM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC37 hr
Feb 11, 3:20 PM AKSTBlizzard WarningAFC24 hr
Feb 11, 3:32 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC12 hr
Feb 11, 3:32 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC61 hr
Feb 11, 4:05 PM AKSTGale WarningAFC35 hr
Feb 11, 4:05 PM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC23 hr
Feb 11, 4:05 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC35 hr
Feb 11, 4:05 PM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC35 hr
Feb 11, 4:24 PM AKSTStorm WarningAFC11 hr
Feb 12, 2:06 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC25 hr
Feb 12, 2:06 AM AKSTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC25 hr
Feb 12, 3:21 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC49 hr
Feb 12, 3:21 AM AKSTStorm WarningAFC12 hr
Feb 12, 3:28 AM AKSTGale WarningAFC48 hr
Feb 12, 3:28 AM AKSTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC48 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Alaska, 2023Every blizzard warning in 2023

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.