Blizzard in Baldwin Peninsula, Alaska

The Kotzebue AWOS (PAOT) first reported blizzard conditions at 21:27L on 2/16 and continued through 02:15L on 2/18. Blizzard conditions were met at 00:30L on 2/17. Winds were consistently between 45 to 60 mph with visibilities at or below 1/4 miles for well over 24 hours. A peak observation was recorded at 00:53L on 2/17 with sustained winds at 45 mph gusting to 70 mph, blowing snow, and visibility at 1/4 miles.

A strong Bering Sea low moves into the Gulf of Anadyr, allowing for a strong front to move into Western Alaska. As the front approached the West Coast, strong east/southeast winds brought blizzard and whiteout conditions to much of the Seward Peninsula south. A secondary push of moisture brought by a shortwave system pushed off the Bering Sea low allowed for widespread heavy snow across St. Lawrence Island, the southern Seward Peninsula, and parts of the Western Interior. As the front pushed eastward across the state, snow squalls developed over portions of the Central Interior, leading to periods of heavy snowfall and gusty winds.