Blizzard — Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

2024-01-07 · Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions developed the morning of the 7th and continued through the evening of the 7th, first at Barter Island and then at Point Thomson. Barter Island reported a peak wind gust of 53 mph during the event, while Point Thomson reported a peak wind gust of 56 mph.

Wider weather episode

A strong area of low pressure moving north through the Bering Sea combined with a strong area of high pressure over the Arctic Ocean created a tight pressure gradient along the Arctic Coast of Alaska. As the pressure gradient tightened, strong winds developed creating blizzard conditions along the Beaufort Sea Coast.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1157967. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.