Winter Storm in Eielson Air Force Base and Salcha, Alaska

An Alaskan electricity company (GVEA) reported power outages during the afternoon of 2/19 due to blowing snow conditions caused by winds gusting greater than 30 mph and visibilities at or below 1/2 miles. More than 370 people were left without power for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Additionally, the Eielson AFB observation site reported a peak observation at 14:34L on 2/19 with sustained winds at 26 mph gusting to 40 mph, blowing snow, and visibility at 2.25 miles. Snow squalls occurred between the hours of 12:20L and 18:15L across the Middle Tanana Valley, further creating winter storm like conditions throughout the day on 2/19.

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.