20 Mar 2023 | 04:50 AM UTC
US: Adverse winter weather forecast across most of Alaska through at least March 21
Severe winter weather forecast across most of Alaska, US into March 21. Transport disruptions likely; power outages possible.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across most of Alaska into at least March 21. 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 March 19, the National Weather Service has issued the following warnings, advisories, and watches for Alaska:
Blizzard Warning: Kuskokwim Delta
Winter Storm Warning: Bering Strait Coast, Saint Lawrence Island, southern Seward Peninsula Coast, and Yukon Delta
High Wind Warning: western Aleutians, central Aleutians, and Pribilof Islands
Winter Weather Advisory: Baldwin Peninsula, Bristol Bay, northeastern Brooks Range, Chukchi Sea Coast, eastern Norton Sound, and Nulato Hills, as well as Kobuk, lower Koyukuk, Noatak, Selawik, and Yukon valleys
Wind Advisory: eastern Alaska Range
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.
