McGrath, Alaska – Wet snow and freezing rain are turning roads slick across the Upper Kuskokwim Valley tonight, with icy patches expected to harden as temperatures fluctuate through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday for the North Slopes of the Western Alaska Range and the Upper Kuskokwim Valley, including McGrath, Nikolai and Takotna. Snow totals between 3 and 7 inches are expected, along with up to 0.05 inches of ice. Much of the precipitation will fall as rain at times, then freeze on contact with the ground, creating glaze on untreated surfaces.
Farther northwest, Kotzebue, Kivalina and the Noatak Valley remain under an advisory until 3 p.m. Tuesday for up to 1 inch of additional snow and wind gusts to 35 mph, reducing visibility below a half mile at times. Along the Bering Strait Coast, including Shishmaref and Wales, gusts up to 45 mph will blow 1 to 3 inches of snow, creating drifting and low visibility through noon Tuesday.
Travel may be very difficult across western Alaska. Residents should check 511.alaska.gov for updates and use caution as wet surfaces refreeze.
