Fairbanks, Alaska – Drivers across the Central Interior have limited time to prepare as a multi-day snow event threatens to drop up to 12 inches across the Fairbanks area beginning late Tuesday night, with blowing snow expected to reduce visibility along major highways by Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Tuesday night through Friday morning for the Fairbanks Metro Area, Northern Denali Borough, Tanana Flats, and surrounding valleys. Snow totals of 4 to 8 inches are likely, with higher amounts approaching 12 inches possible north and west of Fairbanks, including the Nenana Hills, Fox, Chatanika, and toward Rampart.
This will be a high-ratio, fluffy snow, meaning it accumulates quickly and blows easily. The Parks Highway from Mileposts 237 to 342, the Elliott Highway from Mileposts 1 to 134, and stretches of the Steese and Richardson highways could see drifting and sudden drops in visibility during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
Eielson AFB, Fort Wainwright, North Pole, and Two Rivers may face snow-covered roads and slower travel through midweek. Residents should check road conditions before departure, allow extra travel time, and prepare emergency kits in vehicles.
Additional upgrades to warnings are possible as snowfall rates become clearer. The most significant impacts are expected between Wednesday morning and Friday morning.
