Brace Yourself for Winter Storm: 9 Inches of Snow Expected as Weather Warning Issued
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Interior Alaska: Up to 9 Inches of Snow Expected
Impending Snowstorm to Impact Alaska’s Interior
A winter weather advisory has been announced by the National Weather Service (NWS) for interior regions of Alaska, predicting significant snowfall between Thursday afternoon and Friday evening. This advisory particularly concerns the White Mountains, high terrains south of the Yukon River, and the Chatanika River Valley, affecting key sections of the Steese and Elliott highways.
Why This Snowstorm Matters
The early season snowstorm is projected to bring moderate to heavy snowfall, elevating the risk of hazardous travel conditions across interior Alaska. The NWS has issued warnings for motorists and residents to be vigilant for slippery roads and diminished visibility. As Alaska transitions into colder seasons, preparation becomes crucial for local communities and travelers along major routes.
Essential Information on the Weather Advisory
The advisory runs from 2 p.m. local time Thursday until 10 p.m. Friday, according to the NWS in Fairbanks. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 4 to 9 inches, with higher elevations likely to receive the most snowfall. Key areas include the Steese Highway, up to mile marker 90, and elevated portions of the White Mountains.
The snowstorm is set to commence with a milder weather system on Wednesday night, gaining strength as the main storm arrives Thursday night through Friday morning. The storm could significantly disrupt travel, especially during the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Precautionary Measures for Residents and Travelers
Motorists should prepare for slippery road conditions, as identified by the NWS in their advisory issued at 4:44 a.m. Wednesday. Travelers are urged to reduce speed, exercise extra caution, and verify current road conditions by calling 511. Residents are also advised to be cautious on outdoor surfaces like stairs and sidewalks, which may quickly become icy, increasing the risk of falls or injuries.
- Check current road conditions before traveling.
- Exercise caution on icy outdoor surfaces.
- Stay informed through local communication channels.
Early Snowfall Patterns Observed in Fairbanks
The advisory follows a recent snowfall event in the Fairbanks area, which recorded over an inch of snow last weekend. NWS Fairbanks shared images on social media, revealing a 1.2-inch snowfall, and noted that this early snowfall is about two weeks ahead of the usual schedule, which typically sees the first inch by October 9th.
Statements from NWS Fairbanks
NWS Fairbanks alerted, “If you are going outside, watch your first few steps on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could become icy and slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.” Additionally, a post on social media highlighted the expected moderate to heavy snowfall in the White Mountains and mixed precipitation at lower elevations.
What to Anticipate Next
Along with driving carefully, the NWS advises caution on potentially icy paths for those venturing outdoors. It’s recommended to stay updated with the latest advisories and information available on the NWS’s official platforms and local communication channels. The advisory is valid until Friday night, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
