Nome, Alaska has experienced above-normal snowfall in March for the past four years, causing dangerous weather conditions that disrupt springtime outdoor activities. The back-to-back blizzards that hit Nome this year caused school closures, business shutdowns, and employee dismissals. The National Weather Service's Automated Observation System at the Nome office broke down during the storm, causing data collection issues. The lack of sea ice in the central Bering Sea is a contributing factor to the spring blizzards, as it allows for additional moisture to feed the storms and dump the moisture on the Southern Seward Peninsula. The decline in sea ice also leads to stronger and wetter storms in the future. The Kobuk 440 sled dog race was impacted by the stormy weather.