Anchorage, AK – A messy combination of snow, freezing rain, and rain is creating dangerous travel conditions across the Kenai Peninsula today, especially along the Sterling and Seward Highways from Homer to Turnagain Pass. Road surfaces are icy in spots, and heavier snow at higher elevations will continue to challenge drivers through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Anchorage office, multiple Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until midday or early Friday for the southwest, northwest, interior, and mountain corridors of the Kenai Peninsula. Forecasters report freezing rain producing a glaze of ice from Sterling to Kasilof and light snow and ice from Clam Gulch south toward Homer. Up to one tenth of an inch of ice is possible in some locations, especially on bridges and shaded curves.
According to Alaska DOT officials, travel has already become difficult along the Sterling Highway and near Skilak Lake, where rain is falling onto existing snowpack. This may cause ponding and unexpected slick spots. Farther north, from Moose Pass to Summit Lake and through Turnagain Pass, 4 to 14 inches of snow are expected by early Friday as elevation increases. Plows are out, but mixed precipitation is limiting the effectiveness of early treatment.
According to emergency managers, drivers should expect sudden visibility changes and rapidly deteriorating surfaces as precipitation type shifts throughout the afternoon and evening. Motorists are urged to slow down, carry chains or traction aids, and keep winter survival gear in their vehicles. Power flickers are possible near the coastline where freezing rain accumulates on lines and limbs.
Conditions improve early Friday as precipitation tapers, but elevated routes may remain slick well into the morning.
