Winter Storm in Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills, Alaska

The Elim AWOS (PFEL) reported moderate to heavy snowfall, freezing fog, and reduced visibilities down to 1/4 miles at times between 21:45L on 2/16 through 18:30L on 2/17. Numerous observations from Elim to Unalakleet reported reduced visibilities due to heavy snow the afternoon of 2/16 to 2/17. A peak observation of 1/4 miles visibility, heavy snow, and freezing fog was reported at the Elim AWOS (PFEL) at 22:36L on 2/16.

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.