Health & Safety
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Blizzard Warning Issued for Shishmaref and Bering Strait Coast, Alaska
The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has issued a Blizzard Warning for Shishmaref and the Bering Strait Coast, forecasting up to three inches of snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph. A larger low-pressure system is bringing high winds and winter weather hazards across Western Alaska.
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THE PRIMARY BRIEF
- 01 · The primary finding
The National Weather Service (NWS) Fairbanks AK issued a Blizzard Warning for Shishmaref and the Bering Strait Coast of Alaska, effective from Friday morning through early Saturday.
- 02 · The primary evidence
The NWS Fairbanks AK issued a Blizzard Warning on October 22 at 6:02 AM AKDT for Shishmaref and the Bering Strait Coast, detailing expected blizzard conditions, up to 3 inches of snow, and wind gusts up to 60 mph. This is part of wider storm warnings for Western Alaska from NWS Fairbanks.
- 03 · Why it matters
The warning indicates severe weather conditions, including strong winds and reduced visibility, which could make travel hazardous and potentially cause power disruptions in these Alaskan communities. Coastal flooding is also a concern in wider Western Alaska.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Fairbanks AK issued a Blizzard Warning for Shishmaref and the Bering Strait Coast on October 22 at 6:02 AM AKDT. This warning is in effect from 4 AM AKDT on Friday until 1 AM AKDT on Saturday.
Blizzard conditions are expected, with total snow accumulations reaching up to three inches. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 60 mph. These conditions could make travel very difficult and may lead to power outages. Visibility could drop below one-quarter mile due to falling and blowing snow. The NWS anticipates that the snow will change to rain early Saturday morning.
This specific warning is part of broader storm warnings issued by NWS Fairbanks for Western Alaska. A low-pressure system is bringing high winds and winter weather hazards to large portions of the region. Meteorologist Alekya Srinivasan with the NWS' Fairbanks office stated that the storm is relatively slow-moving, which could allow water to be pushed onto shore for a longer period, potentially raising water levels as much as 8 feet above normal high tide lines.
Wind gusts are forecast to reach nearly 70 mph on the west coast. Specifically, gusts as high as 68 mph are expected in Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, while Nome and Kotzebue could see gusts between 55 and 65 mph. Nome is also forecast to receive up to 4 inches of snow, which could create blizzard conditions there. A blizzard warning was also issued for the Seward Peninsula from Thursday night through Monday. Further south, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is expected to be affected mainly by strong winds and coastal flooding, with less snow. The NWS expects the system to move out of the region by the end of the weekend.
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