Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2023
Blizzard Warning 6, NWS Anchorage, AK
NWS Anchorage, AK issued this blizzard warning at Feb 26, 2023, 3:26 PM AKST. It took effect at Feb 27, 2023, 6:00 PM AKST. It was in force for 12 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 26, 2023, 3:26 PM AKST (00:26 UTC)
- In effect from
- Feb 27, 2023, 6:00 PM AKST
- Expired
- Feb 28, 2023, 6:00 AM AKST
- In force
- 12 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Anchorage, AK
The text
As transmitted.
703 WWAK42 PAFC 270026 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023 AKZ155-271500- /O.UPG.PAFC.WW.Y.0022.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/ /O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island 326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM MONDAY TO 6 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and over Nunivak Island. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta. * WHEN...From 6 PM Monday to 6 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. 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. && $$ AKZ152-271500- /O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/ Lower Kuskokwim Valley- Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute 326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley. * WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ161-271500- /O.NEW.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT MONDAY NIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Bristol Bay. * WHEN...From midnight Monday night to 3 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ195-271500- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-230227T1800Z/ Pribilof Islands- Including the city of Saint Paul 326 PM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST MONDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Pribilof Islands. * WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
5 follow-up statements
348 WWAK42 PAFC 271243 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 AKZ155-280200- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island 343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and over Nunivak Island. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. 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. && $$ AKZ152-280200- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/ Lower Kuskokwim Valley- Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute 343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley. * WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ161-280200- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Bristol Bay. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ195-271800- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-230227T1800Z/ Pribilof Islands- Including the city of Saint Paul 343 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Pribilof Islands. * WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
030 WWAK42 PAFC 271804 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 AKZ195-271915- /O.EXP.PAFC.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-230227T1800Z/ Pribilof Islands- Including the city of Saint Paul 904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED... Visibility will continue to improve throughout the day as temperatures warm and the snow changes to rain. $$ AKZ155-280715- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island 904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and over Nunivak Island. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ152-280715- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/ Lower Kuskokwim Valley- Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute 904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley. * WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ161-280715- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 904 AM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Bristol Bay. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
121 WWAK42 PAFC 280015 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 AKZ155-281500- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.230228T0300Z-230228T1500Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island 315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and over Nunivak Island. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. 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. && $$ AKZ152-281500- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T1200Z-230301T0300Z/ Lower Kuskokwim Valley- Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute 315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley. * WHEN...From 3 AM to 6 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ161-281500- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.230228T0900Z-230301T0000Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 315 PM AKST Mon Feb 27 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 3 PM AKST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Bristol Bay. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 3 PM AKST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
026 WWAK42 PAFC 281252 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 AKZ155-281500- /O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.000000T0000Z-230228T1500Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island 352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST EARLY THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Locally higher amounts over Nunivak Island. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one quarter mile near the coast and over Nunivak Island. * WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta. * WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST early this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on difficult travel conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel very hazardous. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. && $$ AKZ152-010200- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0300Z/ Lower Kuskokwim Valley- Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute 352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley. * WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ161-010000- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0000Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 352 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Bristol Bay. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ http://www.weather.gov/afc
738 WWAK42 PAFC 281455 WSWALU URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Anchorage AK 555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 AKZ155-281600- /O.EXP.PAFC.BZ.W.0006.000000T0000Z-230228T1500Z/ Kuskokwim Delta- Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island 555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 ...BLIZZARD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 AM AKST EARLY THIS MORNING... Conditions have improved above warning criteria. Gusty winds and light snow will persist and blowing snow may reduce visibilities at times. $$ AKZ152-010300- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0300Z/ Lower Kuskokwim Valley- Including the cities of Aniak and Sleetmute 555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Lower Kuskokwim Valley. * WHEN...Until 6 PM AKST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ AKZ161-010000- /O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0023.000000T0000Z-230301T0000Z/ Bristol Bay- Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, and Pilot Point 555 AM AKST Tue Feb 28 2023 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches with locally higher amounts are expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph in combination with snow will reduce visibilities to one half mile. * WHERE...Bristol Bay. * WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and create snow drifts. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. && $$ 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 26, 5:36 AM AKST, 9 hours 50 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 26, 5:36 AM AKST, 9 hours 50 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Anchorage AK 536 AM AKST Sun Feb 26 2023 .ANALYSIS AND UPPER LEVELS... A low amplitude ridge exists from the Western Bering to the Western Gulf with the core of the estimated 150+ kt jet spreading from Shemya to the Alaska Peninsula. This ridging, northwest flow and subsequent drying off the Alaska Range has lead to a very dry airmass over Southcentral. As such, temperatures have dropped significantly overnight for most areas underneath clear skies and light winds. However, pockets of fog and low stratus have also developed from Trapper Creek south into the Anchorage Bowl and Knik Arm area. Gap winds continue through Seward, Whittier and Valdez. Out west, a shortwave trough riding over the ridge has produced some light snow from the Kuskokwim Delta to southern Bristol Bay. A warm front also extends from the Western Aleutians to Unalaska. && .MODEL DISCUSSION... Overall model agreement is moderate in the immediate short term but begins to diverge Monday as a strong system moves into the Western Bering. There's significant differences in the shape, meso-low development and depth of the low as it goes through the occlusion process over the Western to Central Bering through Tuesday. The other difference of note is the thermodynamic profile over the Alaska Peninsula on Tuesday, with the two American models moving +0C air over the area at 850mb and the foreign models keeping it much cooler with the occlusion farther to the south. Winds moving through the terrain would likely make for rain from King Salmon south regardless, but this still creates some uncertainty in the forecast for that area. Models then converge back to a general consensus on the development of a low at the triple point near the Barren Islands, but significant timing differences remain which will impact the snow forecast for Southcentral. && .AVIATION... PANC...Fog and low stratus have developed in the Susitna Valley and along the Knik Arm. Currently the stratus is confined to east and north of the Terminal, but it may move back in over the terminal and lower to fog later in the morning. IFR conditions would likely develop should this occur. Otherwise, VFR conditions and light winds will persist. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3: Sunday through Tuesday night)... Gusty gap winds along the Southcentral coast will continue today due the strong pressure gradient between a building ridge over the interior and a trough over the northern and eastern Gulf of Alaska. A weak shortwave moving across Southcentral this morning, embedded in the northwesterly flow aloft, will act to reinforce the cold air advection and allow for a secondary peak of the gusty winds through favored gap locations. These winds will finally begin to subside Monday afternoon as the trough moves inland over northern Canada and an upper-level ridge builds from the west. With the current pattern in place, expect below normal temperatures to continue across the region through Tuesday morning. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear through the next couple of days, as well. The exception to this will be areas of stratus and fog lingering from Cook Inlet to the Mat-Su Valleys and across portions of the Copper River Basin this morning. Attention then turns to a large area of low pressure developing over the Bering Sea Monday pushing an occluded front over Southwest Alaska for Tuesday. This front will bring snow, transitioning to rain, for Kodiak Island Tuesday before lifting toward the northern Gulf. As it moves north, a new surface low is expected to spin up near the Barren Islands. This new area of low pressure, along with the residual front, will bring widespread snow to Southcentral, first to the Kenai Peninsula and Susitna Valley for Tuesday morning, spreading east to Cordova, Valdez, and the Copper river Basin by Tuesday afternoon. As the low slowly moves parallel to the eastern Kenai coast, its attendant front will move toward Prince William Sound. Strong easterly winds will overspread the coastal waters, eventually working through favored gaps across the Kenai Peninsula. The strong winds and snow will combine to produce blowing snow for Whittier, Portage Valley, and Turnagain Pass Tuesday afternoon and evening before the low moves east and the winds begin to shift. Snow will continue for most locations through Wednesday before tapering off from west to east late Wednesday into early Thursday as the low moves to the Alaska Panhandle. Gusty westerly winds in the wake of the low could result in another round of blowing snow for the aforementioned locations as well and Valdez and Thompson Pass for Wednesday into Thursday. The highest accumulations are expected across the eastern Kenai Peninsula, especially at elevation and through Portage Valley, Turnagain Pass, and Whittier. Significant accumulations are also possible for the western Kenai Peninsula, across portions of the Susitna Valley, and around Cordova. Several inches of snow are also possible for Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley; however, an initially strong cross-barrier flow could limit the amount of moisture spilling over the mountains for a time on Tuesday. Once the low moves east of Seward, however, snow is expected to fill in for these locations. The amount of snow for Anchorage to Palmer will likely be highly dependent on the track of the low and the location of any deformation band. While there is high confidence for widespread snow, there is still some uncertainty in the track of the low, and, hence, snowfall amounts for many locations across the region. Stay tuned to future forecasts as we continue to monitor the situation and refine the forecast. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA (Days 1 through 3: Tonight through Tuesday)... Two areas of snow showers are noted on radar this morning across Southwest Alaska. The first is occurring over the Kuskokwim Delta and in conjunction with the passage of a shortwave trough quickly pushing eastward into the Kuskokwim Mountains. Visibility in Bethel is less than six miles with lowered ceilings to around 2000 feet. This axis of snow will taper of from west to east through the rest of the morning hours. The second area of snow is occurring further south and across portions of Bristol Bay where the remnants of an occluded low are slowly moving southeastward. Like Bethel, the town of Dillingham is also experiencing reduced visibility and lowered ceilings. Both areas should see snow gradually come to an end over the next few hours. Behind the snow a colder air mass remains forecast to filter southward into all of Southwest through Monday with morning lows in the single digits and lower across Bristol Bay. Meanwhile, much of the Kuskokwim Delta and Lower Kuskokwim Valley are expected to cool to below zero degrees through Monday morning. Temperatures will begin to rebound Monday into Tuesday as the next Bering front begins to slide into Southwest. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Kuskokwim Delta Monday evening through Tuesday morning. Increasing winds associated with the front and 4 to 8 inches of snow will impact coastal areas with blowing snow and reduced visibilities down to one half mile. Continued warming through Tuesday morning will eventually see snow transition to rain, and the threat for blowing snow and reduced visibility will come to an end. Areas expected to experience the strongest winds and the greatest likelihood for blowing snow and reduced visibility will stretch from Mekoryuk to Toksook Bay to Kipnuk. Precipitation associated with the front then spreads south and west throughout the day on Tuesday as the front moves further inland. Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible for the Kuskokwim Valley and interior Bristol Bay. There is some uncertainty in the precipitation type forecast for the Alaska Peninsula south of King Salmon, with warmer air aloft and southerly gap winds producing rain or mixed precipitation. && .SHORT TERM FORECAST BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3: Tonight through Tuesday)... The next Bering low is already bringing a warm front across the Aleutians this morning. Temperatures are above freezing from Shemya to Sand Point. As such, showery conditions will be prevalent across much of the region through Monday. The Pribilof Islands will remain north of the warmer air until Monday morning. A winter weather advisory is in effect for snow and blowing snow from 9AM Sunday through 9AM Monday. Thereafter, the warm front will lift north of the Pribilofs and bring their temperatures to above freezing as well. For the rest of Monday and into Tuesday the Bering low is expected to deepen further while lifting into the Chukchi Sea. Gale to storm force winds are likely over the Western Aleutians late Monday with enhanced winds approaching the Pribilof Islands by Monday night. Additionally, as the low lifts northward, cold air on the backside of the low will wrap eastward and across the Western Aleutians beginning as early as Monday morning. Colder air will then filter eastward through the rest of the Aleutian Chain through Tuesday. Widespread snow showers may develop across the entire Aleutian Chain by late Tuesday as a Kamchatka low tracks just north and along the Western and Central Aleutians into Tuesday night. However, much more uncertainty exists with the evolution of the Bering low and the potential Kamchatka low on Tuesday. && .LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Wednesday through Saturday)... The defining synoptic feature by Wednesday morning is a low situated about coastal Western Alaska, with another low formed at the triple-point of the former in the western Gulf of Alaska. The shape and placement of both the parental low and the triple-point low are not well agreed upon by the deterministic models, however discrepancies have diminished since yesterday's model runs. Wednesday morning, the 12Z Canadian and Euro models have the low center over coastal Southwest Alaska, with multiple defined troughs producing higher winds along the AKPen and producing the aforementioned triple-point low in the western Gulf. Wednesday morning on the 12Z GFS, the low is still offshore from Southwest Alaska, with less defined frontal boundaries, suggesting less intense winds along the AKPen and the triple point low has yet to spin up. However, Wednesday morning represented by the 12Z GFS appears to bring a widespread potentially heavy precipitation, likely snowfall, event across Southcentral and Southwest. Impacts to population centers such as Anchorage is difficult to determine currently however, downslope flow will likely play a part in mitigating snowfall for the Anchorage Bowl. This precipitation wave is not advertised to be as intense by the Canadian and Euro models, so we will need to wait to obtain a better idea once the models converge on a solution. By Wednesday afternoon, the GFS and Canadian runs come much more in-line, consolidating the trough to the low in the Gulf and producing strong westerly and offshore winds as the low moved east of Prince William Sound. Precipitation will diminish across Southcentral by Friday and into the start of the weekend. Transient showers look to linger in Southwest Alaska Thursday and Friday with a weak wave to move in Saturday morning. A resurgence of gusty winds out of the southern gaps and passes of the Eastern Aleutians, AKPen, and near the Barren Island Friday. Out in the Bering, a gale force low entering the Western Aleutians will support the potential for Storm-force gusts, and mild precipitation as it tracks into the Central Aleutians Thursday afternoon, before dipping out to the south, creating the aforementioned resurgence of winds on Friday. By Friday afternoon, a new low appears to enter the Western Bering bringing a sweeping front into the Western Aleutians. By Saturday morning, this sweeping front looks to possibly merge with a North Pacific low approaching the Central Aleutians. && .AFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PUBLIC...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY 155 195. MARINE...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY 119 121 26-130 139 141 160 412 413 180 181 185 STORM WARNING 177 178 GALE WARNING 130 131 175 176 179-181 185 411-414. FIRE WEATHER...NONE. && SYNOPSIS AND MODEL DISCUSSION...CJ SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA...TM SOUTHWEST ALASKA/BERING SEA/ALEUTIANS...BL LONG TERM...CL
The office that day
Everything else NWS Anchorage, AK issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 3:26 PM AKST | Winter Weather Advisory | AFC | 51 hr | |
| Feb 26, 3:45 PM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 5 days | |
| Feb 26, 3:45 PM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Feb 26, 3:45 PM AKST | Storm Warning | AFC | 48 hr | |
| Feb 26, 3:52 PM AKST | Winter Storm Watch | AFC | 25 hr | |
| Feb 26, 4:17 PM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Feb 27, 3:24 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Feb 27, 3:28 AM AKST | Heavy Freezing Spray Warning | AFC | 5 days | |
| Feb 27, 3:47 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Feb 27, 3:47 AM AKST | Small Craft Advisory | AFC | 24 hr | |
| Feb 27, 3:47 AM AKST | Heavy Freezing Spray Warning | AFC | 13 hr | |
| Feb 27, 3:48 AM AKST | Gale Warning | AFC | 24 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.