21 Dec 2021 | 04:57 PM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast to continue across parts of Alaska through at least Dec. 23 /update 8
Severe winter weather forecast across parts of Alaska, US, through at least Dec. 23. Transport disruptions likely; power outages possible.
Event
Heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions, and strong winds are forecast to continue across parts of Alaska through at least Dec. 23.
Government Advisories
The National Weather Service issued the following warnings, advisories, and watches for Alaska as of early Dec. 21:
Blizzard Warning: northeast Prince William Sound and eastern Beaufort Sea Coast.
Winter Storm Warning: Juneau Borough and northern Admiralty Island; Inner Channels from Kupreanof Island to Etolin Island; and southern Inner Channels.
Winter Weather Advisory: eastern Chichagof Island; Glacier Bay; Salisbury Sound to Cape Fairweather Coastal Area; eastern Baranof Island and southern Admiralty Island; Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision Coastal Area; Misty Fjords; Kuskokwim Delta; Bristol Bay; Lower Kuskokwim Valley; St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait coast; Yukon Delta; Lower Yukon Valley; eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills; southern Seward Peninsula coast; Lower Koyukuk and Middle Yukon valleys; western and northern Arctic coast; eastern and central Beaufort Sea coast; Upper Tanana Valley and the Fortymile Country; and Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands.
Officials may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.
Hazardous Conditions
Significant snow accumulations are forecast in some affected areas. In addition to the heavy snowfall, strong wind gusts will likely lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions and sporadic power outages are possible throughout affected areas.
Transport
The winter weather will probably cause ground and air transport disruptions across parts of Alaska over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are likely along regional highways; dangerous and challenging driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roads in the affected areas as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Flight delays and cancellations could occur due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
