Blizzard Warning Issued for Kuskokwim Delta; Dangerous Travel and Freezing Rain Expected Through Saturday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Kuskokwim Delta region. The warning is in effect from 9:00 AM AKST Friday, February 13, until 12:00 PM AKST Saturday, February 14.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the following geographic regions in Alaska:

• Kuskokwim Delta Coast
• Nunivak Island
• Interior Kuskokwim Delta

What You Should Do

A Blizzard Warning signifies that severe winter weather conditions are occurring or imminent. Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Travel Safety: Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
• If Stranded: If your vehicle becomes stuck, stay with the vehicle to remain sheltered and visible to rescuers.
• Visibility: Be prepared for whiteout conditions and significantly reduced visibility which will make travel very hazardous.

Expected Conditions

A complex weather system moving through the region will bring a variety of hazardous conditions:

• Snowfall: Total accumulations are expected to reach between 3 and 6 inches.
• Ice: Freezing rain is expected to result in ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch.
• Wind: Wind gusts are forecast to reach as high as 40 mph.
• Visibility: Blowing snow will reduce visibilities to one-quarter mile or less, making travel very difficult.

Timeline

• Friday Morning to Afternoon: Blizzard conditions are expected to develop and persist through the afternoon.
• Friday Afternoon to Saturday Morning: Weather will transition from blizzard conditions to freezing rain.
• Saturday Late Morning: Freezing rain is expected to transition back to snow.
• Expiration: The warning is scheduled to expire at 12:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 14.