Winter Storm Warning: 16 Inches of Snow, 90 MPH Winds, and 'Extreme Cold' of -65°
In many areas of North America, the 2025-2026 winter season has already been remarkably severe. Between heavy snow accumulations, punishing winds, and more, many Americans have found themselves having to stay inside or prepare for severe and dangerous conditions.
Unfortunately, it turns out that trend certainly isn't coming to an end as one state is set to face some brutal winter weather conditions.
Alaska Is Facing Several Fearsome Winter Weather Conditions, Including Snowfall, High Winds, and Extreme Cold
On Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, the National Weather Service published an article detailing the winter weather advisories and high wind warnings that Southwest Alaska would be facing on Sunday and Monday. That article detailed the snow accumulation that was expected in some areas of the state. "Winter Weather Advisories have also been issued for two areas for tonight through Sunday morning: the Lower Kuskokwim Valley is expected to have 9 to 13 inches of snow, while Bristol Bay north of King Salmon is expecting 8 to 12 inches of snow." However, another National Weather Service report published on the same day stated that other parts of Alaska could see more snowfall. "Snow amounts will range from 8 to 16 inches with gusts as high as 40 to 50 mph, especially across Nunivak Island and the YK Delta."
While Nunivak Island and the YK Delta could have to cope with more snow, they are getting off easy in terms of the winds forecasted for that area. The aforementioned Southwest Alaska warning called for winds as high as 90 MPH to affect the state. "High Wind Warnings for three areas are currently in effect: the Alaska Peninsula is expected to have 90 mph gusts through the channels. The Eastern Aleutians east of Unalaska and the Pribilof Islands are expected to have gusts reach 80 mph. Finally, the Kuskokwim Delta Coast is expected to have 75 mph gusts. These warnings are for tonight through Sunday morning. Remember that a warning means that we have high confidence in those wind speeds occurring during the time period and that damage to property may be possible."
If all that wasn't enough, another page published by the National Weather Service warned of extremely cold temperatures affecting Alaska until Sunday. According to the warning, Central Copper Valley and Southern Copper Valley could see temperatures as low as -65°F. Additionally, the Northern Copper Valley and Tok Cutoff could see -55°F, while Inland Bristol Bay and Interior Kuskokwim Delta may deal with -40° F. As part of the cold temperature warning, the National Weather Service stated that exposed skin could suffer frostbite in as little as 5 minutes and that hypothermia quickly becomes likely. The agency also provided residents of affected areas with the following instructions.
"An extreme cold warning means that dangerously low temperatures are expected for a prolonged period of time. Wear protective clothing such as a hat, face mask, and heavy gloves or mittens if you have plans to be outdoors. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside."