Blizzard — Central Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

2019-04-11 to 2019-04-13 · Central Beaufort Sea Coast, Alaska

Event narrative

Strong east winds with frequent gusts over 40 mph resulted in blizzard conditions with visibility less than 1/4 of a mile at times. The lowest conditions were reported at the village of Nuiqsut (PAQT).

Wider weather episode

Strong high pressure centered over the eastern Beaufort Sea combined with low pressure stretched across the Arctic Coastal plain resulted in persistent easterly winds gusting 40 to 60 mph along the eastern Arctic coast. The combination of strong winds and falling snow created areas of blowing snow and blizzard conditions at times for two days. Winds diminished and conditions improved when the pressure gradient weakened.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 827177. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.