Heavy Snow Warning for 12+ Inches of Snow, Strong Winds, and 'Slick/Icy Spots' Looms
The National Weather Service has issued a late-season weather alert about winter storm conditions that have been forecasted for parts of northern and western Alaska. Predicted effects include heavy snow, strong wind gusts, and slick icy spots that could make travel difficult in the coming days. Here is a clear breakdown of the most hazardous conditions.
Where To Expect Strong Winds and More Than 1 Foot of Snow
Photo by Tayfun Coskun /Anadolu via Getty Images
On April 10, the National Weather Service's office in Fairbanks, Alaska, issued a winter storm watch for parts of Alaska. It called for a variety of dangerous weather conditions to hit parts of the state from that day until Monday, April 13.
Snow will accumulate across several parts of the affected region, with the Alaska Range expected to receive more than 12 inches above 1,500 feet, and six to 12 inches at lower elevations. Additionally, four to seven inches are predicted for some slopes of the Southern Seward Peninsula. The Western Brooks Range and Interior Valleys will see a lighter accumulation of between one and five inches.
Strong wind gusts are expected to add to the predicted weather challenges. On Saturday, gusts of 25 to 35 mph or higher are possible in parts of the Alaska Range Passes. After Saturday, the wind speeds are expected to ease and become much less of a problem over the following days.
Even as the winter storm conditions continue throughout the weekend, the forecast also calls for the temperature to warm during the day. With heavy snow on the way, it may seem like that would be a relief, but it actually appears to be very likely that it will be the most dangerous element of the weekend's weather.
During those warm periods, there is expected to be some rain, and some of the snow may also begin to melt. That could create serious dangers because temperatures will drop again overnight, causing the accumulated precipitation to freeze. The forecast warns that the pattern will probably create "slick/icy spots" in the mornings. That could create very hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike. People in the affected areas should be very cautious while traveling throughout the weekend, especially in the mornings.