Blizzard — Chukchi Sea Coast, Alaska

2023-01-17 · Chukchi Sea Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

A four hour period of blizzard conditions developed at Point Hope on the afternoon of the 17th as light snow fell in an area where strong winds had persisted for several days.

Wider weather episode

High Pressure over the northern Chukchi Sea combined with trough of low pressure over the Seward Peninsula brought high winds to the Chukchi Sea Coast. Initially, the strong winds were accompanied by blowing snow resulting in blizzard conditions; however, as time passed, the visibility improved even through the winds increased in speed.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079248. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.