06 Jan 2022 | 02:29 PM UTC
US: Severe winter weather forecast across parts of southern and central Alaska until at least Jan. 9 /update 2
Severe winter weather forecast for parts of Alaska, US, until at least Jan. 9. Transport disruptions likely; power outages reported.
Event
Snowfall, blizzard conditions, and strong winds are forecast across parts of southern and central Alaska until at least Jan. 9 and will likely compound disruptions in some areas already impacted by severe winter weather in recent days. Notably, strong winds are forecast in parts of Matanuska-Susitna Borough Jan. 7, where high winds Jan. 1-4 caused widespread damage and left thousands without power. Around 1,400 residents remain without power as of late Jan. 5. Most schools in the borough remain closed through at least Jan. 7. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster emergency Jan. 3 for Matanuska-Susitna Borough and for parts of the Interior Alaska region, which has also recently been impacted by severe winter weather.
Government Advisories
The National Weather Service had issued the following warnings, advisories, and alerts for Alaska as of early Jan. 6:
High Wind Warning: Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway.
Wind Chill Warning: Upper Tanana Valley and the Fortymile Country.
Wind Chill Advisory: Haines Borough and Lynn Canal; Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway; northeast Prince William Sound; Deltana and Tanana Flats; and Denali.
Winter Weather Advisory: southeastern Brooks Range.
Special Weather Statement: for strong winds in Matanuska Valley Jan. 7.
Special Weather Statement: For significant snowfall and rainfall over the panhandle region Jan. 8-9. The affected area includes Cape Decision to Salisbury Sound Coastal Area; Cape Fairweather to Cape Suckling Coastal Area; Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision Coastal Area; eastern Baranof Island and southern Admiralty Island; eastern Chichagof Island; Glacier Bay; Haines Borough and Lynn Canal; Inner Channels from Kupreanof Island to Etolin Island; Juneau Borough and northern Admiralty Island; Misty Fjords; Salisbury Sound to Cape Fairweather Coastal Area; southern Inner Channels; and Taiya Inlet and Klondike Highway.
Officials may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.
Hazardous Conditions
Snow accumulations are forecast in some affected areas. In addition to the snowfall, strong wind gusts will likely lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are possible.
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 blizzard conditions or snowfall are 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.
