12 Oct 2022 | 08:48 AM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of eastern and northwestern Alaska through at least Oct. 13
Severe winter weather forecast across parts of Alaska, US, through at least Oct. 13. Transport disruptions likely; power outages possible.
Event
Heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions, and strong winds are forecast across parts of eastern and northwestern Alaska through at least Oct. 13. Snowfall accumulations of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) are possible in parts of the affected area. Flooding is also possible in parts of southeastern Alaska where precipitation will fall as rain and rough seas could bring coastal flooding to parts of the northern coast.
Government Advisories
The National Weather Service issued the following warnings, advisories, and watches for Alaska as of early Oct. 12:
Blizzard Warning: Northeast Prince William Sound
Winter Storm Warning: Copper River Basin, and Upper Tanana Valley and the Fortymile Country
Winter Weather Advisory: Northern and western Arctic coast; Deltana and Tanana Flats, and eastern Alaska Range
Coastal Flood Advisory: Northern Arctic coast
High Surf Advisory: Western Arctic coast
Flood Watch: Admiralty Island; Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait; City and Borough of Juneau; City and Borough of Sitka; City and Borough of Yakutat; eastern Chichagof Island; Glacier Bay; Haines Borough and Klukwan, and Municipality of Skagway
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.
Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
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 flooding is forecast, floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. 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.
