Blizzard in Bering Strait Coast, Alaska

Late in the evening of December 30th, strong NE winds developed with speeds of 30 to 35 mph and gusting to around 45 mph. The winds combined with snowfall to produce visibilities of 1/4 mile or less at the Wales AWOS (PAIW). While the wind speed did fluctuate a bit, blizzard conditions were observed into the early morning hours of December 31st.

Low pressure centers over the south central Interior of Alaska as well as in the northern Bering Sea coupled with strong high pressure over the Arctic Ocean to produce very strong winds the last few days of December. A combination of new snowfall associated with the surface lows and loose snow on the ground resulted in lots of blowing snow and reduced visibilities. Blizzard to near blizzard conditions were observed across most of the North Slope as well as along the Bering Straight coast and portions of the Northwest Arctic Borough.