Blizzard in Central Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

A 999 mb low near Kotzebue on the 30th coupled with a strong 1042 mb high pressure center over the high arctic created a strong pressure gradient, providing strong winds and blizzard conditions along the eastern north slope during the day of the 30th of December and lingering into the 31st.

Zone 201: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Wainwright ASOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow.

Zone 203: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Nuiqsut ASOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow.

Zone 204: Blizzard conditions were observed at the Point Thompson AWOS. The visibility was reduced to one quarter mile or less in snow and blowing snow. There was a peak wind gust of 53 kt (61 mph) at the Point Thompson AWOS.