Blizzard — Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

2024-03-19 · Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Event narrative

The Mekoryuk AWOS observed blizzard conditions for several hours through the afternoon and evening of March 19. Winds gusted as high as 55 knots (63 mph) out of the east-southeast as blowing snow reduced visibility to one quarter mile or less. Conditions improved around 8 pm AKDT as temperatures began to warm and rain began to mix in.

Wider weather episode

Quick on the heels of the previous system, another front pushed onto the Kuskokwim Delta coast on March 19. Despite temperatures near freezing and an east-southeasterly wind, blizzard conditions were observed on Nunivak Island, which was surrounded entirely by sea ice.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1163832. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.