29 Nov 2022 | 12:53 PM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of northern, western, and central Alaska through at least Dec. 1
Severe winter weather forecast across parts of Alaska, US, through at least Dec. 1. Transport disruptions likely; power outages possible.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across much of central, northern, and western Alaska through at least Dec. 1. Heavy snowfall and strong winds, creating possible blizzard conditions, are expected across much of the affected area as a winter storm system moves across the region from west to east Nov. 29-30. Daily snowfall accumulations of 7.5-20 cm (3-8 inches) are expected across much of the affected area during the passing of the weather system, with greater accumulations possible in areas of higher elevation. The heavy snow accompanied by strong winds will likely lead to hazardous driving conditions due to icy roads and reduced visibility.
Government Advisories
The National Weather Service issued the following warnings, advisories, and watches for Alaska as of early Nov. 29:
Winter Storm Warning: St Lawrence Island and the Bering Strait coast; Chukchi Sea coast; Lower Kobuk and Noatak valleys; and the western Arctic coast.
Winter Weather Advisory: Southern Seward Peninsula coast; Baldwin Peninsula and Selawik Valley; northern and interior Seward Peninsula; eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills; Upper Kobuk and Noatak valleys; Lower Koyukuk and Middle Yukon valleys; and the northern Arctic coast.
Special Weather Statements for Heavy Snowfall Nov. 30-Dec. 1: Central Interior; Deltana and Tanana Flats; Denali; Middle Tanana Valley; Upper Koyukuk Valley; Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands; Central Beaufort Sea coast; Eastern Beaufort Sea coast; and Northeastern Brooks Range.
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 may 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.
In areas where coastal flooding is forecast, floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall or flooding 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.
