UPDATE — Friday, October 23, 4:15 PM CT: The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has updated this Blizzard Warning — blizzard conditions are expected along the Western Arctic Coast with up to three inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 65 mph. The warning runs through 7 AM Saturday Alaska time. Travel could be very difficult, and areas of blowing snow may sharply cut visibility.

UPDATE — Friday, October 23, 5:50 AM CT: The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has updated this warning — the strongest wind gusts hit Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning, easing slowly Saturday afternoon, and snow is expected to change to rain Saturday morning. The warning runs through 7 AM Saturday Alaska time.

Western Arctic Coast, Alaska —

What is happening: The National Weather Service in Fairbanks has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Western Arctic Coast, in effect from 1 PM Friday until 7 AM Saturday Alaska time. A powerful Arctic storm is pushing heavy, blowing snow across the coast with wind gusts as high as 65 mph. Total snow accumulation could reach two inches before the storm switches the snow over to rain Saturday morning. The strongest gusts will hit Friday afternoon and carry into early Saturday.

Local impacts: Travel along the coast could turn dangerous fast. Blowing snow may cut visibility to near zero at times, and winds that strong can knock out power in exposed areas. The weather service says conditions will ease slowly Saturday afternoon as the wind backs off.

What to do:

- Postpone travel on the coast until the warning expires.

- If you must go out, tell someone your route and expected arrival time.

- Keep a storm kit in the vehicle: blankets, water, a charged phone, and flares.

- Secure anything loose outside the home — winds near 65 mph will find it.

Source: National Weather Service Fairbanks, Alaska. Issued October 22, 2026.