12 Dec 2022 | 10:51 AM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of southern Alaska through at least Dec. 13 /update 1
Severe winter weather forecast across parts of Alaska, US, through at least Dec. 13. Transport disruptions likely; power outages possible.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of southern and central Alaska through at least Dec. 13. Heavy snowfall accumulations of up to 50 cm (20 inches) and winds gusting up to 64 kph (40 mph) are possible across parts of the affected area. The heavy snow accompanied by strong winds will likely lead to hazardous driving conditions due to icy roads and reduced visibility. Avalanches are also possible in mountainous regions and flooding is possible due to ice jams causing fluctuations in river levels.
Government Advisories
The National Weather Service issued the following warnings, advisories, and watches for Alaska as of early Dec. 12:
Winter Storm Warning: Western Kenai Peninsula; Anchorage; western Prince William Sound; Susitna Valley; Matanuska Valley; Copper River Basin; City and Borough of Yakutat; and Upper Tanana Valley and the Fortymile Country.
Avalanche Warnings: Northeast and western Prince William Sound.
Winter Weather Advisory: Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait; Glacier Bay; City and Borough of Juneau; Haines Borough and Klukwan; Lower Kuskokwim Valley; Bristol Bay; Kuskokwim Delta; Central Interior; Middle Tanana Valley; Deltana and Tanana Flats; Denali; and eastern Alaska Range.
Flood Advisory: Susitna Valley.
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.
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.
