Blizzard in Alaska, December 7 to 8, 2017

Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
551 AM AKST Thu Dec 7 2017

.DISCUSSION...

An active weather pattern continues for the Interior. A series of
systems over the next few days will bring snowfall to the eastern
Alaska Range and also the northern Interior. Southerly flow over
the next several days will continue to keep the Interior warm
with above normal temperatures through early next week. The
models are all in decent agreement with the overall weather
pattern in the short term. Shortwaves will ride north in this
pattern and bring snow to the northern Interior this afternoon
into Friday. Two more shortwaves will bring a chance of snow
again on Sunday and Monday to the same areas.

Surface...High pressure will maintain control over much of the
Arctic for the next few days. Easterly winds will result along
the Arctic coast, increasing in strength Friday. A 990 mb low
over the western central Being Sea will weaken as it remains
nearly stationary. A 980 mb North Pacific low will impact the
Alaska Peninsula west of Kodiak Island late Thursday and dissipate
over Bristol Bay Friday.

Central and Eastern Interior: Will continue the winter storm
warning for zone 226 with heavy snow continuing into Friday. Also
issued a winter weather advisory for zone 225 with the potential
of 6 to 10 inches of snow in the Alaska range with lesser amounts
further north. The system will also spread snowfall northward
across the Interior as it moves across this evening. Most of the
snowfall will miss Fairbanks. The snowfall will intensify as the
front moves north of Fairbanks. Winter weather advisories have
been issued for zone 218, 219 and 220. Snowfall amounts ranging
from 4 to 6 inches. Snow will begin this evening and continue
into Friday morning. There is a slight chance of light freezing
rain this evening across the Middle Tanana Valley due to pockets
of above freezing temperatures aloft and temperatures below
freezing at the surface. However, there is a low probability of
precip and qpf across the middle tanana valley through Friday AM.

North Slope and Brooks Range: Some light snow over the Brooks
Range tonight. A weather front will pass over the Brooks Range
early Friday and will spread snowfall over the Beaufort Sea Coast
Friday. At the same time the pressure gradient along the Beaufort
Sea tightens up. Snow and blowing snow will likely reduce
visibilities below one mile at times on Friday. Winter weather
advisories will likely be issued for zones 203 and 204.

West Coast and Western Interior: Quiet weather expected tonight.
A weather front will bring some snowfall to the western Interior
late Thursday into Thursday night. Snowfall totals will generally
be in the 1 to 3 inch range.

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

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Storm Warning for AKZ226.

Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ218-AKZ219-AKZ220-AKZ225.

Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for PKZ210-PKZ225.

Small Craft Advisory for PKZ210-PKZ225.

Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ200-PKZ230-PKZ235-PKZ240-PKZ245.
&&

JK DEC 17