Homer, Alaska – Snow and powerful winds could disrupt travel across large portions of southern Alaska beginning late Thursday night as a powerful North Pacific storm spreads across the Kenai Peninsula, Bristol Bay and parts of the Aleutians.
According to the National Weather Service in Anchorage, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Thursday night through Friday evening for the western Kenai Peninsula and Southern Kachemak Bay. Communities including Homer, Kenai, Soldotna, Sterling, Cooper Landing, Anchor Point, Ninilchik and Nikiski could see 4 to 12 inches of snow, while winds may gust 30 to 50 mph.
If the storm tracks up Cook Inlet, heavier snowfall could spread across coastal communities such as Homer, Seldovia and Halibut Cove. A track farther east toward Prince William Sound would shift heavier totals inland toward Soldotna and Cooper Landing, though gusty winds and slick roads remain likely across the region either way.
Farther southwest, separate Winter Storm Watches remain active Thursday afternoon through Thursday night for the Eastern Aleutians, including Unalaska and Akutan, where 3 to 6 inches of snow and 45 mph winds could reduce visibility to one-quarter mile in blowing snow.
Another watch covers Bristol Bay and the northern Alaska Peninsula, including Dillingham, Naknek, King Salmon, Iliamna and Togiak, where 3 to 6 inches of snow with 40 mph winds may create whiteout conditions Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.
Drivers should prepare for slick bridges, drifting snow and rapidly changing visibility, especially during the Friday morning and evening commutes across the Kenai Peninsula.
The storm’s final track will determine snowfall totals, and forecasters say additional winter weather alerts could be issued as the system approaches Alaska late Thursday.
