Winter Alert: 9 Inches of Snow Forecasted

A winter weather advisory has been issued for parts of interior Alaska, with expectations of significant snowfall. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts up to 9 inches of snow from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening. This advisory primarily affects regions such as the White Mountains, the area south of the Yukon River, and the Chatanika River Valley.

Winter Alert: 9 Inches of Snow Forecasted

The advisory encompasses vital sections of the Steese and Elliott highways. Motorists and residents are advised to be cautious, as the early winter storm is expected to create hazardous travel conditions. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are anticipated, particularly as Alaska transitions into colder months.

Key Details of the Advisory

• Duration: The advisory is active from 2 p.m. Thursday until 10 p.m. Friday.
• Snow Accumulation: Expected snowfall ranges from 4 to 9 inches, with higher elevations receiving more.
• Affected Areas: Key areas include the Steese Highway up to mile marker 90 and elevated White Mountain regions.

Snow is predicted to initiate with a less intense weather system on Wednesday night, intensifying later with the main storm arriving Thursday night through Friday morning. The adverse weather conditions may impact travel, especially during the evening commute on Thursday and the morning commute on Friday.

Travel Safety Recommendations

The NWS emphasizes that drivers should reduce speed and exercise extra caution during travel. Additionally, residents should remain vigilant when navigating outdoor surfaces, such as stairs and sidewalks, which could become icy.

• Travel Tips:
  • Slow down and maintain a safe distance.
  • Be aware of current road conditions by calling 511.
• Outdoor Cautions:
  • Watch for icy surfaces to avoid falls and injuries.

Last weekend, Fairbanks experienced over an inch of snow, measuring 1.2 inches. According to NWS Fairbanks, this timing is approximately two weeks earlier than the average first snowfall, which typically occurs around October 9th.

Continuous Updates

The advisory will provide updates as the storm continues to develop. Residents are encouraged to follow official channels for the latest information as winter conditions arrive in Alaska.