Blizzard warning issued for Alaska as wind chill hits minus 40

Residents of Last frontier is bracing for intense winter weather as a heavy snowstorm descends on the northern part of the state.

Intense winds, cold temperatures and thick snowpack are expected to hit Alaska, with a “blizzard warning” issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).

This dramatic weather is expected to make travel very difficult for residents due to poor visibility.

“High pressure in the Arctic will bring blizzards to the Arctic coast this afternoon through Friday,” NWS Fairbanks said in a statement.

“This will bring 3-6 inches of snow to valley locations and up to 8 inches at higher elevations, although forecast uncertainty as to where the heaviest snow will fall is extremely high.”

NWS question blizzard warnings for “winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with significant falling and/or blowing snow often reducing visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less” and when “conditions are expected to prevail for at least 3 hours. “

The current warnings are in effect until around 3pm local time tomorrow.

Winds are expected to gust up to 65 mph, and wind chill temperatures expected to drop as low as minus 40.

“The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 min can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes,” NWS Fairbanks said.

Blizzards are severe snowstorms characterized by strong winds, low visibility and heavy snowfall. They usually require a cold air mass near the ground to result in snow rather than rain; this is often due to arctic or polar air moving into a region.

Wind chill refers to the perceived drop in temperature felt by the human body due to the combined effect of air temperature and wind speed, describing how cold it feels outside when wind speeds make it harder for your body to retain heat. Frostbite or hypothermia can occur more quickly in extreme wind chill conditions.

“Freezing fog this morning near Deadhorse likely created a crust over the snowpack, so blizzard conditions may take a little longer to develop than expected,” NWS Fairbanks said.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for much of the North Slope and are in effect until Friday afternoon. High winds are expected to blow snow, reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile during this time frame. Estimated start times are included in the graphic below. #akwx #blizzard pic.twitter.com/qYACVS1NBm

— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) 11 December 2024

These chaotic conditions are feared to be dangerous for driving and other travel.

“Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibility is likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely difficult,” NWS Fairbanks said.

There is also widespread winter weather warnings across the contiguous United States, with winter weather advisories, lake effect snow advisories, cold weather advisories, and winter storm advisories covering northern states.

Snowfall of several feet with lake effect is expected across parts of New Yorkwhile snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are expected in parts of Michigan.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slippery and dangerous. Visibility may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” National Weather Service The Gaylord office warned.

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