Blizzard in Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

Winds began to increase rapidly from the west and southwest along the NE Arctic coastline during the early morning hours of March 10th. By mid morning blizzard conditions were being reported by the Point Thomson AWOS (PAAD) with wind speeds sustained at around 35 mph and gusts exceeding 40 mph. This resulted in blowing snow reducing the visibility to or below 1/4 mile for a little over 13 hours before conditions improved. A max wind gusts of 47 mph was registered shortly after midday.

A complex upper low over the Canadian Archipelago allowed several disturbances to rotate southwards towards Alaska's Arctic coastline during the second week of March, 2026. During this time frame a classic barrier jet set up along the NE Arctic Coast from Point Thomson to Barter Island resulting in gusty WSW winds, blowing snow, and blizzard conditions for the region.