Blizzard in Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

Two periods of blizzard conditions impacted Point Thomson. The first period began at 0955AKST on February 27 and continued through 0055AKST on February 28. The second period started at 1435AKST on February 28 and continued through 0955AKST on March 1.

During the initial wave, the Point Thomson Airstrip AWOS (PAAD) reported visibilities less than one-quarter mile beginning at 0815AKST on February 27. Blizzard conditions began at 0955AKST, with the verifying observation occurring at 1255AKST on February 27. During the second wave, blizzard conditions were measured at PAAD beginning at 1434 on February 28, with the verifying observation occurring at 1735AKST while conditions continued to worsen.

A slow-moving low pressure system tracked across the Beaufort Sea, bringing prolonged blizzard conditions to the Eastern Arctic Coast from February 27 through 28. A Winter Storm Watch was issued on February 25 for zones 804 and 805. The system was upgraded to a Blizzard Warning on February 26. This system produced sustained winds and significant blowing snow that reduced visibilities to near zero for over 36 hours. The warning was cancelled on the morning of February 28, as the low pressure center weekend and shifted inland. No fatalities or injuries were reported during this episode.