Winter Storm Watch Issued as Heavy Snow, 60 mph Winds Cause 'Blizzard' Conditions
The National Weather Service issued a new winter storm watch as heavy snow and dangerous winds combined to create "blizzard" conditions. The Fairbanks division of the NWS revealed the blizzard conditions are expected to strike this weekend as 60+ mph winds strike.
"Blizzard conditions from winds and blowing snow are expected for the Bering Strait and Northwest Arctic Coast this weekend. Blizzard conditions are expected to begin Friday and continue through early Sunday morning," the Fairbanks NWS said.
Over 12 inches of snow is also expected in several locations.
Winter Storm Watch in Effect as Blizzard Conditions Continue
As the strong winds and heavy snowfall continue, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the following locations: Prudhoe Bay, the Dalton Highway north of MP 387, Franklin Bluffs, the Dalton Highway from MP 322 to MP 387, Kuparuk, Alpine, Flaxman Island, Point Thomson, Sagwon, Kaktovik, Deadhorse, and Nuiqsut.
With winds gusting up to 55 mph, the National Weather Service warned blizzard conditions will bring visibility problems. "Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less," it said.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
How to Properly Prepare for Dangerous Winter Storms
As snow and strong winds combine for dangerous weather, the following tips were advised from Men's Journal:
- Apply weather stripping and draft blockers around windows and doors.
- Winterize outdoor faucets and apply hose bibb insulators to avoid burst pipes.
- Invest in a good shovel or gas-powered snow blower (and stock up on gas).
- Buy a roof rake to remove snow from your home and prevent roof collapse, leaks, and gutter ice dams.
- Apply ice melt to sidewalks, driveways, and steps before the snow starts to fall. This prevents build-up and makes accumulation easier to clear later on.
- Keep indoor faucets going at a slow drip to avoid freezing pipes.
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