28 Feb 2023 | 01:24 AM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of southern and central Alaska into at least early March 1
Severe winter weather forecast across southern and central Alaska, US into March 1. Transport disruptions likely; power outages possible.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of southern and central Alaska into at least early March 1. The heavy snow and accompanying strong winds will likely lead to hazardous driving conditions due to icy roads as well as reduced visibility due to blowing snow. As of late Feb. 27, the National Weather Service issued the following warnings, advisories, and watches for Alaska:
Blizzard Warning: eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills; St Lawrence Island and Bering Strait Coast; southern Seward Peninsula Coast; Kuskokwim Delta
Winter Storm Warning: Yukon Delta
Winter Storm Watch: Admiralty Island; Annette Island; Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait; City and Borough of Juneau; City and Borough of Sitka; City and Borough of Wrangell; City and Borough of Yakutat; City of Hyder; Eastern Chichagof Island; Glacier Bay; Haines Borough and Klukwan; Ketchikan Gateway Borough; Municipality of Skagway; Petersburg Borough; Western Kupreanof and Kuiu Island; western Kenai Peninsula; western Prince William Sound
Winter Weather Advisory: eastern Alaska Range; Central Interior; Baldwin Peninsula and Selawik Valley; lower Yukon Valley; Chukchi Sea Coast; northern and interior Seward Peninsula; lower Koyukuk and middle Yukon Valleys; upper Kuskokwim Valley; Bristol Bay; lower Kuskokwim 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 or reported. 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.
