Blizzard — Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

2024-01-31 · Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions developed at both Point Thomson and Barter Island on the morning of the 31st and continued into the evening of the 31st. Barter Island reported a peak wind gust of 48 mph during the event while Point Thomson reported a peak gust of 38 mph.

Wider weather episode

Strong high pressure over the Arctic combined with a strong area of low pressure over southern Alaska created a tight pressure gradient over the eastern Arctic Coast resulting in strong winds and two separate periods of blizzard conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1160766. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.