Persistent snowfall

A winter storm warning issued for Tuktoyaktuk has transformed into a blizzard advisory that also covers Paulatuk. Conditions are forecast to worsen on Friday.
“This may be a major storm,” read an orange warning issued under Environment Canada’s new colour-coded warning system and updated at 4:30am on Friday.
“Snow and blowing snow will begin this morning. Visibilities will deteriorate to near zero as the winds shift to be from the west and increase in strength. Wind gusts up to 80 km/h are possible.
“Conditions will continue into Saturday. Winds will weaken on Sunday, however blowing snow or blizzard conditions may continue.”
Orange warnings are the second most severe that can be issued, behind the colour red.
Forecasters say storm surge is also possible in Tuk, despite offshore winter ice.
In Paulatuk, winds were already gusting to 88 km/h by 5am on Friday according to the airport weather station.
Blizzard conditions were expected to continue throughout the day, though Environment Canada has issued a less severe yellow warning for the community.
Inuvik is under a yellow watch for a winter storm developing later.
“Reduced visibilities in snow and blowing snow are possible tonight into Saturday morning,” an advisory for the town stated.
“Strong northwest winds will develop tonight, with gusts up to 80 km/h possible. This combined with freshly fallen snow may generate widespread reduced visibilities in blowing snow.
“Visibilities will improve by Saturday afternoon.”