Blizzard in Bering Strait Coast, Alaska

NWS Fairbanks upgraded a Winter Storm Watch to a Blizzard Warning at 1448AKST on March 5, 2026 for the Bering Strait Coast. The AWOS site located at Brevig Mission Airport (PFKT) first reported blizzard conditions at 1215AKST on March 6, 2026; the final verifying observation occurred at 2125AKST on March 7, 2026. At the peak of the event, PFKT measured one-quarter mile visibility in blowing snow with winds gusting to 38 mph. No fatalities, injuries, or property damage were reported.

A series of strong systems tracked across the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean from March 5 through March 11, 2026. These systems brought widespread and prolonged blizzard conditions to the Bering Strait, Northwest Arctic Coast, and the Central and Northeast Arctic Coast. Powerful pressure gradients produced strong winds and significant blowing snow that reduced visibilities to zero at times. The hazardous conditions led to multiple Blizzard Warnings and impacted travel across various coastal communities. No fatalities, injuries, or property damage were reported during this episode.