The National Weather Service has expanded a winter storm warning and issued wind advisories for much of Interior Alaska as heavy snow and strong winds are expected this week, the agency said. The NWS warned travel could become very difficult to impossible with reduced visibility in falling and blowing snow.
Forecasters said the eastern Alaska Range may see up to 24 inches of snow, with higher elevations receiving more. Areas above 2,500 feet are likely to get about 18 to 30 inches, while lower elevations may see 12 to 18 inches, according to the NWS.
Winds are expected to be a significant hazard. The agency warned of gusts as high as 65 mph in some corridors and south winds of 30 to 40 mph along key routes, with the potential for stronger gusts that could produce blowing snow and hazardous conditions for motorists.
The NWS Fairbanks office highlighted corridors forecast to receive the heaviest snowfall, including a stretch of the Richardson Highway from Miles Pot 202 to 259, Trims Camp, Donnelly Dome and Black Rapids. Forecasters said mountain passes and higher terrain could see the most extreme totals.
Impacts Risks And Official Guidance
Local and regional impacts vary across Interior Alaska. The Fairbanks North Star Borough and Nenana are under expanded storm watch conditions and may receive 4 to 8 inches of snow, with effects on morning travel. The Denali Borough could see 8 to 12 inches and winds up to 40 mph, the NWS said.
Other forecast pockets include the Yukon Flats with 4 to 8 inches, Delta Junction, Fortymile Country and the Upper Tanana Valley with 6 to 12 inches, and the Dot Lake region with 12 to 18 inches. Alaska Highways are expected to receive lighter accumulations of 2 to 5 inches.
The NWS reiterated standard watch and warning definitions to help residents interpret the threat. A winter storm warning indicates heavy snow or sleet meeting warning criteria, such as roughly 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours. A watch means the risk has increased but timing or location remains uncertain.
Forecasters also reminded the public that blizzard warnings, ice storm warnings and wind chill warnings have specific criteria for extreme conditions, and that motorists should expect rapidly changing visibility and road hazards during the event, the NWS said.
