BREAKING: Blizzard in Western Arctic Coast, Alaska

TheWkly Analysis

A critical blizzard warning has been issued for the Western Arctic Coast of Alaska, effective from February 12, 2026, at 8:45 PM AKST until February 13, 2026, at 3:00 AM AKST, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) Fairbanks office and sourced from NOAA. The storm is expected to bring extreme wind gusts up to 70 mph, heavy snowfall accumulation of 12-18 inches, and dangerously low temperatures dropping to -40°F, posing immediate threats of whiteout conditions, rapid wind chills, and life-threatening exposure. This event could disrupt critical infrastructure in a remote region already vulnerable to climate change, potentially affecting energy supply chains and international Arctic operations. What It Means For You: • Immediate safety actions: Stay indoors and avoid all travel; if outside, wear multiple layers of insulated clothing, cover exposed skin, and limit exposure to no more than 10-15 minutes to prevent frostbite or hypothermia. Secure outdoor items like vehicles or equipment to prevent them from becoming hazards in high winds, and ensure your home is sealed against drafts. • Impact on daily activities: Expect widespread road closures on key routes like the Dalton Highway and potential shutdowns of airports in Utqiaġvik and other North Slope communities, leading to canceled flights, school closures, and halted work operations for oil and gas facilities; residents should plan for remote work or cancellations lasting 24-48 hours. • What to prepare or stock: Stock up on essential supplies including non-perishable food for at least 72 hours, extra blankets, battery-powered heaters, medications, and a first-aid kit; also, gather important documents in a waterproof container and charge all electronic devices, as power outages are likely. • Expected conditions and timing: Peak danger from high winds and heavy snow is anticipated between 10:00 PM AKST on February 12 and 2:00 AM AKST on February 13, with visibility dropping to near zero; conditions