Alaskan Blizzard Effects Felt In KELOLAND

A massive blizzard hit Alaska earlier this week. And a few days after the fact, some of the effects are being felt here in KELOLAND.

With winds howling at hurricane strength and sea ice leading the march of storm surge onto the coast, this was the worst blizzard to strike Alaska since 1974.

The storm evacuated villages and even days later, warnings continue.

Although we aren’t receiving conditions like the Aleutian Islands saw, the system is having an impact here.

Because of the jet stream, when Alaska cools down this time of year, KELOLAND warms up. That explains the nice conditions this weekend.

But as the low pressure moves eastward through Canada, that ripple shifts.

Another complication this time of year is the snowpack over Saskatchewan and Alberta.

From now on, lows cycling through Canada bring us northwest winds. And as icy winds travel across the Canadian snow, they bring the full brunt of their chill to South Dakota.

So whenever you see northwest wind in your forecast, you can bet it will be a double-blanket night.