Blizzard Warning 2, NWS Fairbanks, AK

126 
WWAK41 PAFG 062235
WSWNSB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
135 PM AKST Sat Jan 6 2024

AKZ803-071445-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.240107T1200Z-240108T1200Z/
Northern Arctic Coast-
Including Utqiagvik
135 PM AKST Sat Jan 6 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO 3 AM
AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  50 mph.

* WHERE...Northern Arctic Coast.

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

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult. Large drifts will form. 
  The cold wind chills as low as 30 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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ804-071445-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.240107T1200Z-240108T1800Z/
Central Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, 
and the Dalton Highway north of MP 387
135 PM AKST Sat Jan 6 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO 9 AM
AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  50 mph.

* WHERE...Central Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...From 3 AM Sunday to 9 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult. Large drifts will form. 
  The cold wind chills as low as 35 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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ805-071445-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.240107T0300Z-240109T0000Z/
Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Kaktovik, Flaxman Island, and Point Thomson
135 PM AKST Sat Jan 6 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
3 PM AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  60 mph.

* WHERE...Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 3 PM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult. Large drifts will form. 
  The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could 
  cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Gunkel

354 
WWAK41 PAFG 071257
WSWNSB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
357 AM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

AKZ803-080100-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T1200Z/
Northern Arctic Coast-
Including Utqiagvik
357 AM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 50
  mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less at
  times.

* WHERE...Northern Arctic Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ804-080100-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T1800Z/
Central Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, 
and the Dalton Highway north of MP 387
357 AM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 50
  mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less at
  times.

* WHERE...Central Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ805-080100-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240109T0000Z/
Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Kaktovik, Flaxman Island, and Point Thomson
357 AM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 60
  mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less at
  times.

* WHERE...Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ802-080100-
/O.NEW.PAFG.WW.Y.0008.240107T1257Z-240108T0600Z/
Northwest Arctic Coast-
Including Wainwright and Atqasuk
357 AM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Visibility
  will be reduced to one half mile or less at times.

* WHERE...Northwest Arctic Coast.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling, especially in open areas. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

461 
WWAK41 PAFG 072357
WSWNSB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
257 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

AKZ803-081200-
/O.CAN.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T1200Z/
/O.EXB.PAFG.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-240108T1200Z/
Northern Arctic Coast-
Including Utqiagvik
257 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM AKST MONDAY...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Visibility
  will be reduced to half a mile at times.

* WHERE...Northern Arctic Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 AM AKST Monday.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling, especially in open areas. 

&&

$$

AKZ804-081200-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T1800Z/
Central Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, 
and the Dalton Highway north of MP 387
257 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  50 mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less 
  at times.

* WHERE...Central Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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.

&&

$$

AKZ805-081200-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240109T0000Z/
Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Kaktovik, Flaxman Island, and Point Thomson
257 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  60 mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less 
  at times.

* WHERE...Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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.

&&

$$

AKZ802-080600-
/O.CON.PAFG.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-240108T0600Z/
Northwest Arctic Coast-
Including Wainwright and Atqasuk
257 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM AKST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Visibility
  will be reduced to one half mile at times.

* WHERE...Northwest Arctic Coast.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling, especially in open areas.

&&

$$

347 
WWAK41 PAFG 080552
WSWNSB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
852 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

AKZ804-081200-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T1800Z/
Central Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, 
and the Dalton Highway north of MP 387
852 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  50 mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less 
  at times.

* WHERE...Central Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be 
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ805-081200-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240109T0000Z/
Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Kaktovik, Flaxman Island, and Point Thomson
852 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  60 mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less 
  at times.

* WHERE...Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be 
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ802-081200-
/O.EXT.PAFG.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-240108T1200Z/
Northwest Arctic Coast-
Including Wainwright and Atqasuk
852 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. 
  Visibility will be reduced to one half mile at times.

* WHERE...Northwest Arctic Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 AM AKST Monday.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ803-081200-
/O.CON.PAFG.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-240108T1200Z/
Northern Arctic Coast-
Including Utqiagvik
852 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM AKST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. 
  Visibility will be reduced to half a mile at times.

* WHERE...Northern Arctic Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 AM AKST Monday.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling, especially in open areas. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

822 
WWAK41 PAFG 080814
WSWNSB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
1114 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

AKZ802-803-080915-
/O.CAN.PAFG.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-240108T1200Z/
Northwest Arctic Coast-Northern Arctic Coast-
Including Wainwright, Atqasuk, and Utqiagvik
1114 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...


$$

AKZ804-082100-
/O.EXT.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T2100Z/
Central Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, 
and the Dalton Highway north of MP 387
1114 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON AKST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 
  50 mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less 
  at times.

* WHERE...Central Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until noon AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be 
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

AKZ805-082100-
/O.CON.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240109T0000Z/
Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Kaktovik, Flaxman Island, and Point Thomson
1114 PM AKST Sun Jan 7 2024

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

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 
  mph. Visibility will be reduced to one quarter mile or less at 
  times.

* WHERE...Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Visibility will be 
  significantly reduced. Large snow drifts will form.

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. 

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

129 
WWAK41 PAFG 081753
WSWNSB

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
853 AM AKST Mon Jan 8 2024

AKZ805-090000-
/O.CAN.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240109T0000Z/
/O.NEW.PAFG.WW.Y.0009.240108T1753Z-240109T0000Z/
Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Kaktovik, Flaxman Island, and Point Thomson
853 AM AKST Mon Jan 8 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM AKST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM AKST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. 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...

Use caution while traveling, especially in open areas. 

&&

$$

AKZ804-081900-
/O.CAN.PAFG.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-240108T2100Z/
Central Beaufort Sea Coast-
Including Nuiqsut, Prudhoe Bay, Alpine, Deadhorse, Kuparuk, 
and the Dalton Highway north of MP 387
853 AM AKST Mon Jan 8 2024

...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Visibilities have improved. Blowing snow will continue, though winds
will continue to ease through the day.

$$

Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
225 PM AKST Fri Jan 5 2024

.DISCUSSION...

.SYNOPSIS…

Today, we saw a brief break from the widespread active weather,
as the strong low pressure system that impacted much of the area
this week has dissipated. Thus, the pressure gradient has relaxed,
which is allowing winds to trend down quite a bit throughout.
Although, this break in the active weather will be short lived, as
it will return mid-late weekend, as another strong low pressure
system sets it’s sights on the Bering Sea once again. The storm
that has been impacting the area has moved into Bristol Bay and
this continues to decrease in intensity quickly, as it approaches
land. Conditions continue to improve throughout much of the area,
with a few areas still seeing some impacts. Blizzard conditions
remain for those along the Arctic Coast, specifically along/east
of Dead Horse. Through the day today, we will see these conditions
improve from west to east. While gusty winds will remain, the
threat of visibility reductions from blowing snow is decreasing.
Strong winds remain across the West Coast for some, especially
those along the Norton Sound, as well as gusty winds across
Interior summits. Some areas are still seeing light snow,
especially along the Central and Northern Interior, with little to
no accumulation expected from that through the day. As was
mentioned prior, another strong low pressure system is forecast to
move into the Eastern Bering Sea this weekend, bringing strong
winds once again, along with the potential for falling and blowing
snow from the Bering Strait south. We currently have issued
Winter Storm Watches for these areas, with further headline
updates expected as we progress closer to tomorrow.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Synoptic Analysis and Forecast...

Low pressure system continues to dissipate quickly as it
approaches Bristol Bay. At 500 mb, a 535 dam (decameter) ridge
remains over the Beaufort Sea, starting to shift into a
north/south orientation, with a 510 dam low moving inland over
Bristol Bay. A shortwave trough of low pressure continues to push
through the Bering Strait and away from the forecast area, with a
500 dam low center associated with it. This wave will continue to
elongate and strengthen the strong upper ridge over the Arctic
Ocean, with a north/south orientation by late weekend. A weak
frontal boundary continues to push through the Northern Interior,
resulting in scattered light snow showers.

At the surface, the low over the southern Bering Sea continues to
weaken quicker as it approaches Bristol Bay, now sitting around
977 mb, while the surface high in the Beaufort Sea slow starts to
strengthen, as the shortwave over the Bering Strait enhances it.
Along the Northern Slope, we continue to see the weak surface
trough, which continues to weaken well. Although, it is still
aiding in increasing the surface winds along the Arctic Coast. At
this point the low over Bristol Bay has essentially dissipated,
allowing conditions throughout the forecast area to improve for a
short time. The weather front slowly continues to traverse through
the Northern Interior, which may lead to enhancements in the wind
field along and ahead of it, due to a localized enhancement in
the pressure gradient. Although, with the pressure gradient
rapidly decreasing in intensity, the wind field has also been
subsiding quite a bit. This is allowing for visibility to start
increasing and the blowing snow threat to decrease along the
Northern Slope. Another strong low moves northeast over the north
Pacific and towards the western Aleutians late tonight and into
Saturday, which will be the forecast challenge over the weekend.
Guidance continues to come together with this storm, currently
holding the low pressure center well off of the West Coast, with
impacts mainly on the West Coast, St Lawrence Island, and along
the Arctic Coast once again.

North Slope and Brooks Range…

Blizzard conditions continue to subside this afternoon along the
Arctic coast, east of Utqiagvik. Winds continue to decrease a
little, resulting in a gradual increase in visibility. Low
pressure trough is still situated across the Northern Slope,
decreasing in intensity from the west. Later this weekend, this
pressure trough will restrengthen as the next low approaches,
aiding in increasing the winds. With the easing of the pressure
gradient currently, we are not expecting the winds to be as strong
as they were the previous days, mainly forecasting between 40-50
mph gusts. Winds have decreased east towards Dead Horse this
morning, where visibility has also improved. Thus, we have
canceled the Blizzard Warning for those areas this morning and
issued a Winter Weather Advisory to cover any remaining blowing
snow and low visibility. These improvements will slowly make their
way eastward through this afternoon and evening. Clear to mostly
clear skies will prevail through Saturday. After a brief period of
improved conditions along the Arctic Coast, we will see
conditions deteriorate once again Sunday and through Monday, from
Wainwright to Kaktovik. Very strong winds will return to the area,
bringing another prolonged period of blowing snow. Will need to
continue to monitor the ground blizzard potential and issue
headlines if necessary.

West Coast and Western Interior…

East to northeasterly winds continue to slowly subside along the
West Coast and Western Interior, as the pressure gradient
decreases significantly over the area. Although, we will continue
to see strong easterly winds through the Norton Sound. Granted,
these will be much lower than the previous days, but they remain
gusty at times. Thus, the threat for blowing snow and reduced
visibility decreases substantially for the next 24 hours. The
stretch of quieter weather will be short lived because we will see
another strong low pressure system move into the Bering Sea,
which has the potential to bring gusty winds once again, resulting
in possible blowing snow on Saturday through Monday. Along with
the impacts of blowing snow, we can see falling snow along the YK
Delta, West Coast, and towards St Lawrence Island. Currently, we
are expecting a widespread area of 1-3” of snow through the YK
Delta and parts of the Western Interior, along with the southern
half of the Seward Peninsula. Also, higher snowfall totals can be
seen at the higher elevations, generally from Russian Mission and
north through Kaltag, where we are currently forecasting between
4-8” of snow. Along with the falling snow, gusty winds will
accompany this storm. Thus, blizzard conditions will be possible
at times. Currently, we have a Winter Storm Watch out for these
areas, highlighting the falling/blowing snow, along with the
possible blizzard conditions. We have also opted to issue a High
Wind Watch for Unalakleet, as high winds are forecast and we
overachieved guidance with the last storm. Current guidance
indicates the potential for upwards to 60 mph winds.

Central and Eastern Interior…

The light snow and gusty winds that were seen over the last 24
hours have moved out of the area for the most part, with some
areas still seeing gusty winds, mainly at elevation. The Tanana
Valley Jet remains through the valley, but has drastically
decreased in magnitude, with winds between to 25-35 mph. This will
continue to decrease through tomorrow, before increasing once
again on Sunday. Much of the area will remain dry though this
period, with increases in winds throughout, thanks to down slope
winds generated by the passing storm system over the Bering Sea.
There will be some areas that see light snow from this system, but
that will generally be focused south along the Alaska Range and
west of the Tanana Valley. These areas will generally see a half
inch or less, with upwards to an inch along the northern side of
the Alaska Range. Cloud cover has decreased substantially and we
will remain mostly clear through Saturday, with increasing cloud
cover expected Sunday as the we see moisture increase due to the
passing storm system off the West Coast.

Extended Forecast Days 4-7…

Active weather pattern continues into early next week, as another
strong low moves north out of the northern Pacific and through
the Bering Sea Saturday night into Sunday. As mentioned above,
this low will bring another round of strong winds from the Seward
Peninsula south, as well as falling and blowing snow. This would
leave the largest impacts situated over the West Coast and into St
Lawrence Island, where falling/blowing snow and strong winds
return. This system is expected to impact the area through Monday,
with conditions improving Tuesday and beyond. After this system
passes through, a large ridge is forecast to set up over the
Central Interior, with a barrage of shortwave troughs forecast to
pass through western Alaska and ride along the ridge. This will
bring along several chances for precipitation through next week.

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

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AK...Winter Storm Watch for AKZ821-822.
     Winter Storm Watch for AKZ824-829-830.
     Winter Storm Watch for AKZ825-826.
     Winter Storm Watch for AKZ827.
     Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ804-805.
PK...Gale Warning for PKZ801-802-805>808-850>854.
     Gale Warning for PKZ803-816-817.
     Gale Warning for PKZ804-809-855-856.
     Gale Warning for PKZ810.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ811.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ812-813-857>859.
     Gale Warning for PKZ814-860.
     Gale Warning for PKZ815-861.
&&