Alert archive / Alaska / Blizzard Warnings in 2024

Blizzard Warning 13, NWS Fairbanks, AK

February 16, 2024Nome Census Area, Alaska

NWS Fairbanks, AK issued this blizzard warning at Feb 16, 2024, 3:26 AM AKST for Nome Census Area, Alaska. It took effect at Feb 16, 2024, 3:00 PM AKST. It was in force for 54 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 16, 2024, 3:26 AM AKST (12:26 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 16, 2024, 3:00 PM AKST
Expired
Feb 18, 2024, 9:00 PM AKST
In force
54 hr
Issued by
NWS Fairbanks, AK

County Nome Census Area, AK

The radar

The Nome radar (PAEC), 82 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 12:27 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Nome Ap, (POME), launched 12:00Z, 0.4 hours before the alert went out and 87 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Nome Ap, at 12:00Z on 2024-02-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Nome Ap, at 12:00Z on 2024-02-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 66 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1340 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
53 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
66 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
97 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

953 
WWAK42 PAFG 161226
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
326 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

AKZ820-821-827-162030-
/O.UPG.PAFG.WW.Y.0044.240216T2100Z-240218T2100Z/
/O.NEW.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.240217T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
326 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 3 PM
AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
  2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with snow
  will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout conditions at
  times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St Lawrence
  Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult. 

&&

$$

AKZ825-162000-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0012.000000T0000Z-240216T2000Z/
Yukon Delta Coast-
Including Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik, 
Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Nunam Iqua, and Chevak
326 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM AKST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph along with heavy 
  falling snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Yukon Delta Coast.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM AKST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility.

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$

AKZ822-824-161800-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240216T1800Z/
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills-
Including Nome, White Mountain, Golovin, Unalakleet, Stebbins, 
St Michael, Elim, Koyuk, and Shaktoolik
326 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 
  inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...The heaviest snowfall axis will be in a narrow band 
  generally from Saint Michael to Golovin-Elim-White Mountain.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible.

&&

$$

AKZ826-161500-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240216T1500Z/
Lower Yukon River-
Including Russian Mission, St Marys, Pilot Station, and Marshall
326 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST EARLY
THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and mixed precipitation expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of 7 to 10 inches and ice accumulations of 
  around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 25 mph.

* WHERE...Lower Yukon River.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible.

&&

$$

AKZ830-161500-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240216T1500Z/
Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys-
Including Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk, and Anvik
326 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM AKST EARLY
THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and mixed precipitation expected. Total snow 
  accumulations of up to 8 inches with a light glaze of ice 
  accumulation.

* WHERE...Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible.

&&

$$
10 follow-up statements
198 
WWAK42 PAFG 161453
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
553 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

AKZ826-161600-
/O.EXP.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240216T1500Z/
Lower Yukon River-
Including Russian Mission, St Marys, Pilot Station, and Marshall
553 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 AM AKST EARLY THIS
MORNING...

Conditions are improving. Light snow will linger through this
morning.

$$

AKZ830-161600-
/O.EXP.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240216T1500Z/
Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys-
Including Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk, and Anvik
553 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 AM AKST EARLY THIS
MORNING...

Conditions are improving. Light snow will linger through this
morning.

$$

AKZ825-162000-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0012.000000T0000Z-240216T2000Z/
Yukon Delta Coast-
Including Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik, 
Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Nunam Iqua, and Chevak
553 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM AKST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph along with heavy 
  falling snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Yukon Delta Coast.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM AKST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of
  blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility.

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$

AKZ820-821-827-162300-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.240217T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
553 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$

AKZ822-824-161800-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240216T1800Z/
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills-
Including Nome, White Mountain, Golovin, Unalakleet, Stebbins, 
St Michael, Elim, Koyuk, and Shaktoolik
553 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM AKST THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 
  inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...The heaviest snowfall axis will be in a narrow band 
  generally from Saint Michael to Golovin-Elim-White Mountain.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible.

&&

$$
228 
WWAK42 PAFG 161757
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
857 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

AKZ825-170300-
/O.CAN.PAFG.BZ.W.0012.000000T0000Z-240216T2000Z/
/O.NEW.PAFG.WW.Y.0046.240216T1757Z-240217T0300Z/
Yukon Delta Coast-
Including Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik, 
Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Nunam Iqua, and Chevak
857 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow. Additional snow
  accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 
  mph.

* WHERE...Yukon Delta Coast.

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

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow may
  lead to low visibility below a half mile at times. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Rain will mix in with snow this afternoon
  and evening as warmer air moves in from the east. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$

AKZ822-824-170300-
/O.EXT.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240217T0900Z/
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills-
Including Nome, White Mountain, Golovin, Unalakleet, Stebbins, 
St Michael, Elim, Koyuk, and Shaktoolik
857 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT AKST
TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Additional snow accumulations of 2
  to 5 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE...The heaviest snowfall axis will slowly shift west
  through the day toward Nome and the western Seward Peninsula.

* WHEN...Until midnight AKST tonight.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible.

&&

$$

AKZ820-821-827-170300-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.240217T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
857 AM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$
789 
WWAK42 PAFG 162240
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
140 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

AKZ824-162345-
/O.CAN.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240217T0900Z/
Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills-
Including Unalakleet, Stebbins, St Michael, Elim, Koyuk, 
and Shaktoolik
140 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Heaviest snowfall has moved off to the west resulting in improving
conditions and visibility, therefore the Winter Storm Warning has
been cancelled. 

$$

AKZ820-821-827-170300-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.240217T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
140 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult. 

&&

$$

AKZ822-170300-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240217T0900Z/
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Including Nome, White Mountain, and Golovin
140 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT AKST
TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  up to one inch. Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Seward Peninsula Coast including Golovin and
  Nome.

* WHEN...Until midnight AKST tonight.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Blowing snow may lead
  to low visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible. 

&&

$$

AKZ825-170300-
/O.CON.PAFG.WW.Y.0046.000000T0000Z-240217T0300Z/
Yukon Delta Coast-
Including Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik, 
Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Nunam Iqua, and Chevak
140 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

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

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  around 1 inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Yukon Delta Coast.

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

* IMPACTS...Blowing snow may lead to low visibility below a half 
  mile at times. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Rain will mix in with snow this afternoon
  and evening as warmer air moves in from the east. 


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

&&

$$
352 
WWAK42 PAFG 170255
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
555 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

AKZ825-170400-
/O.CAN.PAFG.WW.Y.0046.000000T0000Z-240217T0300Z/
Yukon Delta Coast-
Including Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik, 
Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Nunam Iqua, and Chevak
555 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

$$

AKZ820-821-827-171500-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
555 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$

AKZ822-170900-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240217T0900Z/
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Including Nome, White Mountain, and Golovin
555 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT AKST
TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations of 
  up to one inch. Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Seward Peninsula Coast including Golovin and 
  Nome.

* WHEN...Until midnight AKST tonight.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Blowing snow may 
  lead to low visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible.

&&

$$
237 
WWAK42 PAFG 170543
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
843 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

AKZ822-170645-
/O.CAN.PAFG.WS.W.0014.000000T0000Z-240217T0900Z/
Southern Seward Peninsula Coast-
Including Nome, White Mountain, and Golovin
843 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

$$

AKZ820-821-827-171745-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
843 PM AKST Fri Feb 16 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$
629 
WWAK42 PAFG 171213
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
313 AM AKST Sat Feb 17 2024

AKZ820-821-827-180000-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
313 AM AKST Sat Feb 17 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$
991 
WWAK42 PAFG 172035
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
1135 AM AKST Sat Feb 17 2024

AKZ820-821-827-181500-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
1135 AM AKST Sat Feb 17 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult. 

&&

$$
794 
WWAK42 PAFG 181252
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
352 AM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

AKZ830-182100-
/O.NEW.PAFG.WS.W.0015.240219T1200Z-240220T1200Z/
Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys-
Including Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk, and Anvik
352 AM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM MONDAY TO 3 AM AKST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 11
  inches.

* WHERE...Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Monday to 3 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Long duration snowfall is expected to begin
  today and persist through Tuesday afternoon. Heaviest snow and
  highest snow amounts are expected early Monday afternoon 
  through early Tuesday afternoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible. 

&&

$$

AKZ820-821-827-182100-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0000Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
352 AM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
  will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult.

&&

$$
071 
WWAK42 PAFG 181635
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
735 AM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

AKZ820-821-827-190600-
/O.EXT.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0600Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
735 AM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult. 

&&

$$

AKZ830-190600-
/O.CON.PAFG.WS.W.0015.240219T1200Z-240220T1200Z/
Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys-
Including Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk, and Anvik
735 AM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM MONDAY TO
3 AM AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 
  11 inches.

* WHERE...Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Monday to 3 AM AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible. 

&&

$$
424 
WWAK42 PAFG 182307
WSWWCZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
207 PM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

AKZ829-190600-
/O.EXB.PAFG.WS.W.0015.240219T1200Z-240220T2100Z/
Middle Yukon Valley-
Including Galena, Nulato, Kaltag, Ruby, and Koyukuk
207 PM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM MONDAY TO NOON AKST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 
  14 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Nulato Hills.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Monday to noon AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible. 

&&

$$

AKZ830-190600-
/O.EXT.PAFG.WS.W.0015.240219T1200Z-240220T2100Z/
Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys-
Including Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk, and Anvik
207 PM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM MONDAY TO NOON
AKST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 
  12 inches.

* WHERE...Lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Monday to noon AKST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions are expected or occurring. This will make travel very
difficult or impossible. 

&&

$$

AKZ820-821-827-190600-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0013.000000T0000Z-240219T0600Z/
Shishmaref-Bering Strait Coast-St Lawrence Island-
Including Shishmaref, Diomede, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller, 
Gambell, and Savoonga
207 PM AKST Sun Feb 18 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph along with 
  snow will cause significant blowing snow and whiteout 
  conditions at times.

* WHERE...Bering Strait Coast, Wales and Diomede, and St 
  Lawrence Island, Gambell.

* WHEN...Until 9 PM AKST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow will significantly reduce visibility. 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...

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 extremely difficult. 

&&

$$

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 Fairbanks, AK wrote its last area forecast discussion before this blizzard warning went out at Feb 15, 2:16 PM AKST, 13 hours 10 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 15, 2:16 PM AKST, 13 hours 10 minutes before
Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
216 PM AKST Thu Feb 15 2024

.SYNOPSIS...

Active weather continues along the West Coast of Alaska while
drier and warmer conditions persist for the Interior. A variety of
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories remain in
effect from Southwest Alaska northward into the Seward Peninsula
as the storm track and associated frontal boundary has been
stalled out over this region for several days. Additional rounds
of heavy and blowing snow, and mixed precipitation are expected
for the far Western Interior and West Coast through early
Saturday morning with the axis of heaviest precipitation slowly
pushing westward in time. Northerly winds increase through the
Bering Strait today and tomorrow prompting the issuance of Winter
Weather Advisories for blowing snow for the Western Seward
Peninsula, St. Lawrence Island, and along the NW Coast. Further
inland, southerly flow and downsloping off the Alaska range has
past its peak intensity with gusts in the 40 to 60 mph range for
the passes today and tomorrow. High Wind Warning has been canceled
for Parks Hwy as gusts are expected to remain under 60 mph
through Friday. Wind Advisories remain in effect for Delta
Junction and the Richardson Hwy where sporadic gusts of 50 to 60
mph will persist into tomorrow. Dry conditions with well above
average temperatures near to above freezing will continue across
the Interior as high pressure and ridging aloft remain the
dominant weather influence into the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Analysis and Model Discussion...

Guidance is in fairly good agreement with the synoptic weather
pattern through the weekend, then discrepancies increase next week
as low pressure systems enter the Bering and start breaking down
the blocking ridge over the state. Aloft today, strong ridging
centered over Yakutat and extending over the majority of the state
will become more NW-SE oriented into the weekend pushing the main
storm track along the West Coast further westward. High pressure
persists over NW Canada and Eastern Alaska keeping the interior
and North Slope fairly dry. Across the Alaska range, cross barrier
flow and the pressure gradient will slowly diminish Friday;
allowing winds through the passes to come down below advisory
criteria. Downsloping and anomalously warm low 850mb temperatures
will still result in high temperatures well above normal for this
time of year across the state in the 20s and 30s through the
weekend.

The main focus for active weather is across the West Coast where
a frontal boundary sits from Southwest Alaska northward to the
western Brooks range. Waves of energy riding along the boundary
in addition to strong southerly flow through the column, pumping
in ample pacific moisture northward, has resulted in heavy
precipitation across Western Alaska for the last 48 hours.
Guidance is all in agreement with this boundary slowly pushing
westward this evening and tomorrow as the ridge builds further
west. Waves of low pressure rotating around a NW-SE elongated
parent low just south of the AK Peninsula will bring additional
round of precipitation to SW Alaska and the Seward Peninsula this
evening into Saturday. Southwest Alaska will be placed in an area
for enhanced lift within the right entrance region of a jet streak
pushing northward around the ridge. A strong southeasterly low
level jet increases to 50-60 kts tonight over SW Alaska as a wave
associated with the triple point of the parent low moves northwest
along into Bristol Bay and along the coast. This will pump in
additional moisture over the quasi-stationary boundary keeping
heavy precipitation around through this region. Southeasterly warm
air advection on the east side of the boundary will significantly
warm the lower levels leading to a transition to freezing rain
and plain rain from east to west at times Friday afternoon into
Saturday morning for SW Alaska. Areas right along the coast from
Hooper Bay to St Michael's to Golovin and points west will likely
remain snow longer, while the threat for freezing rain and plain
rain is highest further inland east of the boundary. Total snow
accumulations up to 5 to 8 inches are expected for the YK Delta,
with higher accumulations for the Nulato Hills. Depending on how
strong warm air advection is Friday, additional snow totals may
be less further inland where rain and freezing rain mix in at
times. With the best axis of moisture advection remaining in
Southwest Alaska, lower snow amounts are expected for the Seward
Peninsula than areas further south.

Central and Eastern Interior...

As mentioned above, more tranquil and warmer conditions persist
for the interior under the influence of upper level ridging
holding in place. Temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s today
for areas surrounding the Alaska Range, dropping into the 20s and
30s for Friday into the weekend. Large temperature gradients will
still exist between valleys and areas at higher elevation with
low temperatures falling near zero in valleys and remaining much
warmer aloft.

Winds along the Alaska Range are already diminishing today and
this trend will continue into tomorrow. Gusts today have maxed out
in the 50-60 mph range with the strongest gusts near Delta
Junction as the Tanana Valley Jet has more influence over their
winds as southerly downsloping winds through Isabell pass
diminish. Breezy conditions and downsloping winds will likely
continue this weekend, but speeds should remain below advisory or
warning criteria.

North Slope and Brooks Range...

Low pressure in the high arctic with higher pressure building
into the Chukchi sea will result in persistent northerly flow
along the North Slope. A tightening pressure gradient by Friday
afternoon will produce elevated winds along the northwest coast,
persisting into the weekend. There may be blowing snow issues from
Point Lay to Point Hope where the strongest NE winds of up to
30-40+ mph are expected Saturday into early next week.
Additionally, gusty south/southwesterly winds along the Brooks
Range will continue tonight, diminishing through Friday morning.
Temperatures will remain around -10 to +5 for the North Slope.

West Coast and Western Interior...

Active weather continues through the first part of the weekend for
the west coast as mentioned above. Heavy precipitation will
persist along a N-S boundary across Western Alaska, shifting
westward in time. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the
YK delta through Saturday morning where an additional 5 to 10
inches of snow could fall, mixing with rain and freezing rain at
times Friday for inland areas of Southwest Alaska. As the boundary
pushes west, warm air advection from the southeast may lead to
temperatures rising n to ear or above freezing this weekend,
especially in downsloped favored areas. Expect a drying trend into
Sunday for much of Western Alaska, with the exception of areas
right along the coast that could be impacted by incoming fronts in
the Bering.

Blowing snow and low visibility may become an issue for the
Western Seward Peninsula and through the Bering Strait Friday
through Sunday as northerly winds increase on top of fresh
snowfall. Winter Weather Advisories are already in place for low
visibility due to blowing snow.

Extended Forecast For Days 4 Through 7...

Upper ridging continues across much of the state into next week;
however guidance shows the ridge slowly weakening in time as
multiple areas of low pressure push fronts into the West Coast.
Above average temperatures will persist for much of the state
next week despite a slow downward trend in temperatures as the
ridge weakens. The most active weather will remain along the West
Coast and Southwest Alaska as numerous frontal boundary push in
from the west. The ridge across the state should prevent
precipitation from making much progress inland, keeping the
majority of the interior dry.

Coastal Hazard Potential Days 3 and 4...None.

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AK...Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ801.
     Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ820-821-827.
     Winter Storm Warning for AKZ822-824.
     Winter Storm Warning for AKZ825.
     Winter Storm Warning for AKZ826-830.
     Wind Advisory for AKZ834.
     Wind Advisory for AKZ837-849.
PK...Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ801-850.
     Gale Warning for PKZ801-802.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ803.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ804-810-851-853.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ805.
     Gale Warning for PKZ806-807-854.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ811-857.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ816-817-852.
     Gale Warning for PKZ850.
     Gale Warning for PKZ856.
&&

CM

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 15, 5:36 PM AKSTBlizzard WarningAFGKusilvak Census Area15 hr
Feb 16, 3:40 AM AKSTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFG59 hr
Feb 16, 3:40 AM AKSTGale WarningAFG5 days
Feb 16, 3:42 AM AKSTGale WarningAFG59 hr
Feb 16, 8:57 AM AKSTWinter Weather AdvisoryAFGKusilvak Census Area9 hr
Feb 16, 1:58 PM AKSTBrisk Wind AdvisoryAFG13 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.