Blizzard, flood warnings in effect for parts of Western Alaska into Sunday

Though winter storm warnings subsided for most of Alaska by Saturday, the National Weather Service said some western parts of the state can expect severe weather into the new year.

The service issued blizzard warnings for the Kotzebue and Point Hope regions through 6 a.m. Sunday. Visibility will be near zero at times in blowing snow, and wind gusts as high as 60 mph are expected.

"Whiteout conditions will occur," the warning notices said. "Travel and outdoor activities will be difficult."

[Power outages hit hundreds in Fairbanks area after winter storm]

Coastal flooding warnings are also in effect into Sunday for most of the Seward Peninsula as well as the Point Hope, Unalakleet and Emmonak areas, the weather service said.

Sea ice in Norton Sound "may break up and become mobile," one weather advisory said. "Ice may lift up or push onshore due to the storm surge and strong winds."

Coastal residents should be on the alert for rising water, the National Weather Service cautioned.

Winter storm warnings across western parts of the state are in effect into Sunday for areas including Ambler, Kiana, Nome and Unalakleet.