Winter Storm Warning Issued for 18 Cities as 7 Inches of Snow, Winds Gusting 45 mph Approach
A winter storm warning is in place for at least 18 cities in Alaska through Monday, April 20, as several states grapple with late-season snowstorms.
A late-season snowstorm also delayed the opening of parts of Yellowstone National Park in Montana, but that threat has now ended. However, the Yukon Delta Coast in Alaska was still under a warning that could bring 7 inches of snow and winds gusting as high as 45 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service Warned of 'Difficult' Travel Due to 'Falling & Blowing Snow'
A winter storm warning was in place for areas of Alaska on the evening of April 19 and will be in place until 10 a.m. AKDT on Monday, April 20. The warning was in place for "Yukon Delta Coast-Lower Yukon River- Including the cities of Russian Mission, Alakanuk, Hooper Bay, Mountain Village, Kotlik, Chevak, St Marys, Pilot Station, Nunam Iqua, Marshall, Emmonak, and Scammon Bay," the National Weather Service wrote.
"Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph," the NWS wrote. "WHERE...Yukon Delta Coast."
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The National Weather Service advised, "Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."
An additional winter storm warning was issued for "Eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills- Including the cities of St Michael, Koyuk, Unalakleet, Elim, Shaktoolik, and Stebbins."
"Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph," NWS noted.
According to NWS, a winter storm warning is issued when "a mix of wintry precipitation is occurring,is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence...80% or greater chance of warning criteria being exceeded." In contrast, a winter weather advisory "will be issued for winter weather situations such as light snow, and light icing conditions that cause significant inconveniences but do not meet warning criteria and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life‑threatening situations. The Winter Weather Advisories should be used for mixed precipitation such as sleet and snow."
In Montana, Yellowstone National Park Delayed the Opening of Several Park Roads & Entrances
Meanwhile, in Montana, a winter storm "forced Yellowstone National Park officials to delay the opening of several park roads and entrances originally scheduled for 8 a.m. Friday, April 17," according to NBC Montana. "The affected routes will now open at noon, as crews work to address hazardous conditions caused by heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and strong winds."
Park officials "reported that some areas received up to 12 inches of heavy, wet snow," NBC Montana reported. The state of Montana canceled the winter storm warning on April 17. "The threat has ended. Please continue to drive with caution and be alert for slick spots on area roadways early this morning," the state wrote.