Skagway, AK – The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a Cold Weather Advisory and an Extreme Cold Watch for the Municipality of Skagway, including White Pass and the Klondike Highway, warning of life-threatening cold and high winds from Sunday through Tuesday.
The Cold Weather Advisory begins 3 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday, with wind chills dropping as low as –30°F. Immediately following, an Extreme Cold Watch takes effect Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon, where wind chills may reach –40°F, accompanied by gusts between 50 and 60 mph.
According to forecasters, frostbite and hypothermia can occur in minutes under these conditions. Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers with full face and hand protection, and check on vulnerable individuals and pets.
Officials also caution that frozen or burst water pipes are possible during this extended period of extreme cold. Homeowners should wrap or drain outdoor pipes, and allow indoor faucets to drip slowly to prevent freezing.
Travel along the Klondike Highway may become hazardous due to severe wind chills and blowing snow.
This Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening, followed by an Extreme Cold Watch through Tuesday afternoon.
