Blizzard — Srn Seward Peninsula Coast, Alaska

2021-12-04 to 2021-12-06 · Srn Seward Peninsula Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions and southeast winds gusting from 55 mph to nearly 70 mph occurred across the southern Seward Peninsula. Visibility near zero was observed in Nome, Golovin, and White Mountain. Peak wind gusts reached 58 mph at Nome, 61 mph at Golovin, and 69 mph in White Mountain during the morning hours of December 5th. Businesses and schools were closed across the region due to 5 foot or greater snow drifts and poor visibility. A structure under construction in Golovin had the front paneling ripped off and was flapping in the wind (see image).

Wider weather episode

A very strong low pressure system moved north through the Bering Sea and across the Chukotsk Peninsula and Bering Strait December 4th through the 6th. The central pressure of the low dropped to 949 millibars as it moved across the eastern Chukotsk Peninsula the afternoon of December 5th and then weakened as it continued to track north into the Chukchi Sea. A strong weather front associated with this system swept across the West Coast, Interior, and the North Slope of Alaska. This resulted in heavy snow, strong winds, blizzard conditions, and minor coastal flooding at some locations along the Bering Sea coast.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1000796. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.