Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2024

Blizzard Warning 9, NWS Anchorage, AK

March 28, 2024

NWS Anchorage, AK issued this blizzard warning at Mar 28, 2024, 8:17 PM AKDT. It was in force for 14 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
Mar 28, 2024, 8:17 PM AKDT (04:17 UTC)
Expired
Mar 29, 2024, 10:00 AM AKDT
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS Anchorage, AK

The text

As transmitted.

911 
WWAK42 PAFC 290417
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
817 PM AKDT Thu Mar 28 2024

AKZ195-291800-
/O.UPG.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240329T1800Z/
/O.NEW.PAFC.BZ.W.0009.240329T0417Z-240329T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
817 PM AKDT Thu Mar 28 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM AKDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM AKDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds and snow will lead to
  visibilities around one-quarter mile or less for the rest of 
  this evening. Snowfall is expected to ease early Friday morning;
  however, a secondary push of northwesterly winds to 45 mph will
  persist the likelihood for blowing snow and reduced visibility 
  into late Friday 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. 

&&

$$

AKZ161-291800-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240330T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
817 PM AKDT Thu Mar 28 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM AKDT
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
  of up to 4 to 6 inches. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
  Visibilities reduced to one-half mile are expected with areas of lower
  visibilities possible.

* WHERE...Northern Bristol Bay coast.

* WHEN...Until Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Expect difficult travel conditions. Widespread 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions on the southeastern portion of 
  Bristol Bay coastline near King Salmon will likely see a 
  period of heavy snow/rain showers, while to the north from 
  Dillingham to Togiak may see more focused periods of snowfall. 
  Periods of blizzard conditions are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

AKZ155-291800-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240329T2100Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
817 PM AKDT Thu Mar 28 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM AKDT
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
  up to 5 inches. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. 
  Visibilities reduced to one-half mile are expected with areas of
  lower visibilities possible.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta coast.

* WHEN...Until Friday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Expect difficult travel conditions. Widespread 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions expected to be most impactful 
  closer to the coast, in places such as Kipnuk, Kongiganak, and 
  Mekoryuk. Periods of blizzard conditions are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
3 follow-up statements
620 
WWAK42 PAFC 291212
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
412 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

AKZ195-291800-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240329T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
412 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM AKDT THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM AKDT this morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds and snow will lead to 
  visibilities around one-quarter mile or less for the rest of 
  this evening. Snowfall is expected to ease early Friday 
  morning; however, a secondary push of northwesterly winds to 
  45 mph will persist the likelihood for blowing snow and 
  reduced visibility into late Friday 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.

&&

$$

AKZ161-300000-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240330T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
412 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM AKDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of up to 4 to 6 inches. Winds could gust as high 
  as 50 mph. Visibilities reduced to one-half mile are expected 
  with areas of lower visibilities possible.

* WHERE...Northern Bristol Bay coast.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM AKDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Expect difficult travel conditions. Widespread 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions on the southeastern portion of 
  Bristol Bay coastline near King Salmon will likely see a 
  period of heavy snow/rain showers, while to the north from 
  Dillingham to Togiak may see more focused periods of snowfall. 
  Periods of blizzard conditions are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

AKZ155-292100-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240329T2100Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
412 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM AKDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations up to 5 inches. Winds could gust as high as 50 
  mph. Visibilities reduced to one-half mile are expected with 
  areas of lower visibilities possible.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta coast.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM AKDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Expect difficult travel conditions. Widespread 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions expected to be most impactful 
  closer to the coast, in places such as Kipnuk, Kongiganak, and 
  Mekoryuk. Periods of blizzard conditions are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
790 
WWAK42 PAFC 291338
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
538 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

AKZ161-291445-
/O.CAN.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240330T0000Z/
Bristol Bay-
Including the cities of King Salmon, Dillingham, Naknek, 
and Pilot Point
538 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Despite areas of ongoing snow, temperatures across Greater 
Bristol Bay continue to warm. Subsequent visibilities have 
significantly improved as the threat for blowing snow has largely 
ended.

$$

AKZ195-291800-
/O.CON.PAFC.BZ.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240329T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
538 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM AKDT THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Pribilof Islands.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM AKDT this morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds and snow will lead to 
  visibilities around one-quarter mile or less for the rest of 
  this evening. Snowfall is expected to ease early Friday 
  morning; however, a secondary push of northwesterly winds to 
  45 mph will persist the likelihood for blowing snow and 
  reduced visibility into late Friday 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.

&&

$$

AKZ155-292100-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240329T2100Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
538 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM AKDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations up to 5 inches. Winds could gust as high as 50 
  mph. Visibilities reduced to one-half mile are expected with 
  areas of lower visibilities possible.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta coast.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM AKDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Expect difficult travel conditions. Widespread 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions expected to be most impactful 
  closer to the coast, in places such as Kipnuk, Kongiganak, and 
  Mekoryuk. Periods of blizzard conditions are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

http://www.weather.gov/afc
131 
WWAK42 PAFC 291758
WSWALU

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
958 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

AKZ195-291900-
/O.EXP.PAFC.BZ.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240329T1800Z/
Pribilof Islands-
Including the city of Saint Paul
958 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 AM AKDT THIS MORNING...

Snow has ended and visibility has improved, therefore the blizzard
warning has been allowed to expire. Strong winds will continue 
through the afternoon.

$$

AKZ155-292100-
/O.CON.PAFC.WW.Y.0030.000000T0000Z-240329T2100Z/
Kuskokwim Delta-
Including the cities of Bethel and Nunivak Island
958 AM AKDT Fri Mar 29 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM AKDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations up to 5 inches. Winds could gust as high as 50 
  mph. Visibilities reduced to one-half mile are expected with 
  areas of lower visibilities possible.

* WHERE...Kuskokwim Delta coast.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM AKDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Expect difficult travel conditions. Widespread 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Conditions expected to be most impactful 
  closer to the coast, in places such as Kipnuk, Kongiganak, and 
  Mekoryuk. Periods of blizzard conditions are possible.

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 Mar 28, 4:36 PM AKDT, 3 hours 41 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 28, 4:36 PM AKDT, 3 hours 41 minutes before
Southcentral and Southwest Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
436 PM AKDT Thu Mar 28 2024

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

Two storms will impact Southcentral through the weekend.  The
first storm will impact Southcentral this evening through
tomorrow afternoon. Snow levels will rise ahead of the
approaching precipitation resulting in a quick period of rain/snow
showers changing quickly to all rain for the event for coastal
areas. High mountain locations will stay as all snow though.
Wind gusts at high elevations and passes/gap areas, such as the
Anchorage Hillside, Thompson Pass and Turnagain Arm, will range
from 50 to 60 mph with gusts to 75 mph are expected. Elsewhere,
including Anchorage Bowl, sustained winds ranging from 25 to 35
mph gusting to 55 mph.

A more potent storm will move through Southcentral Saturday and
Sunday bringing rain, snow and strong winds. Currently, this late
weekend storm is favored to move through western Alaska or up
Cook Inlet instead of moving through the North Pacific, with its
its front stretching northward to Prince William Sound.
Southeasterly to southerly winds will bring moisture to coastal
areas from Kodiak Island to Cordova resulting in rain and snow
Saturday and Sunday. Snow levels will range from 800 to 1000 feet
creating mostly rain at coastal areas with snow at higher
elevations. Passes and mountains should remain as all snow during
the event. Colder air Saturday evening into dawn Sunday could work
its way down to lower elevations creating a rain/snow before
ending as snow showers in the afternoon. In addition to the
precipitation, sustained winds ranging from 50 to 60 mph with
gusts to 70 mph are possible in Thompson Pass, Anchorage Hillside,
and Turnagain Arm during the storm.

-DJ

&&

.SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHWEST ALASKA, the BERING SEA and the
ALEUTIANS (Days 1 through 3: Friday through Monday)...

Active weather continues across Southwest Alaska on Friday as an
upper level Fujiwhara dance takes place in the northern Bering.
The low which has been in place over Saint Lawrence Island for the
last few days will slide into the Gulf of Anadyr then rotate
south, changing places with a North Pacific low consolidating as
it crosses the central Aleutian Chain into the Bering Sea, and
reaching the Kuskokwim River Delta by Friday afternoon.

A frontal boundary along the leading edge of this low is bringing
gusty winds and moderate rain to the eastern Aleutians, Pribilof
Islands, and Alaska Peninsula. The trailing low will bring
widespread gales (>34 kts) and areas of storm-force (>48 kts)
gusts. Blowing snow and blizzard conditions might be possible
along the Southwest coast Friday night into Saturday. The AKPen
may start with rain and transition to snow, but elsewhere along
the northern Bristol Bay coast and Kuskokwim Delta, can expect 2-3
inches of heavy snow, tapering off Saturday morning. The highest
amounts (5-6 inches) are likely for the northern side of Bristol
bay from Dillingham to Nunivak Island. A second round will bring
up to 2 inches of additional snow to the greater Bristol Bay area,
Kuskokwim Delta, and lower Kuskokwim River Valley Saturday night
through Sunday.

Good confidence exists that the entire domain will have a brief
break from precipitation on Monday, before a North Pacific system
moves across the Bering Sea and into the area on Tuesday.

&&

.LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Monday through Thursday)...

A deep upper level trough over the Eastern Bering extends from
the Arctic to the North Pacific drives across the state of Alaska
through Wednesday. While the confidence of movement of the trough
is good, a number of shortwaves traveling through the pattern
increase the uncertainty in the associated weather, particularly
across Southern Alaska as several North Pacific systems add to the
mix. Deep cloudiness and periods of snow moves across the
Interior Sunday and Monday, diminishing Tuesday. Over the
Southcentral areas, the first well developed surface low marches
onshore near the Canadian Border late Monday, with gusty winds and
mostly rain spreading inland and Westward towards Prince William
Sound. Gusty outflow winds with areas of gale force winds blows
across Kamishak Bay and the Barren Islands and around Sitkinak
late Monday, diminishing Tuesday. A weak upper ridge moves into
the Interior for Thursday.

Another somewhat deep trough moves into the Bering Wednesday.
Most of the energy is deflected over the Southern Aleutians and
Bering. A developing North Pacific surface low pushes its way
across the Western Aleutians on its way just North of the
Pribilofs by Thursday. Gusty winds move over the Aleutians while
areas of gales surround the low in the Western Bering, all
diminishing Thursday. Locally heavy rainfall accompany the front
as it moves Eastward into the Pribilofs, Alaska Peninsula and
Southwest Alaska by Thursday. Another round of locally heavy rain
comes into the Western Aleutians for Thursday.

Kutz

&&

.AVIATION...

PANC...VFR conditions and light winds will persist through
tonight. There will still be a window for low ceilings in MVFR
range this evening, but drying southeast flow developing late
tonight should prevent prolonged periods of low stratus from
persisting into the morning hours tomorrow. Southeast winds aloft
will continue to strengthen during the day on Thursday. Strong
surface winds will likely stay mostly south of the terminal at the
surface through early Friday afternoon, with mainly a threat for
LLWS expected starting Friday morning.

&&

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 29, 2:49 AM AKDTGale WarningAFC37 hr
Mar 29, 2:49 AM AKDTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC37 hr
Mar 29, 3:38 AM AKDTGale WarningAFC24 hr
Mar 29, 3:42 AM AKDTGale WarningAFC60 hr
Mar 29, 3:42 AM AKDTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC5 days
Mar 29, 3:42 AM AKDTStorm WarningAFC48 hr
Mar 29, 4:07 AM AKDTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFC65 hr
Mar 29, 5:00 AM AKDTStorm WarningAFC35 hr
Mar 29, 3:59 PM AKDTSmall Craft AdvisoryAFC24 hr
Mar 29, 3:59 PM AKDTHeavy Freezing Spray WarningAFC24 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Alaska, 2024Every blizzard warning in 2024

Sources

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