Winter Storm in Fairbanks Metro Area, Alaska

WFO Fairbanks employees observed from the office frequent winds gusts greater than 30 mph with visibilities at or below 1/4 miles throughout the afternoon on 2/19. These observations were further confirmed via a social media post from Alaska State Troopers reporting multiple collisions along the southbound lanes of the Richardson Highway between the 12 Mile Bridge and the second Badger Road exit due to blowing snow and low visibilities. These road closures and collisions were visible from the WFO Fairbanks office as well. Additionally, 11.5 inches of snow was recorded at the office over a two day span. A peak observation was recorded at the Fairbanks ASOS site (PAFA) at 14:53L on 2/19 with light snow, blowing snow, mist, 1 mile visibility, and sustained winds at 22 mph gusting to 36 mph.

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.