Anchorage, Alaska – Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across large portions of Southcentral Alaska as heavy snow, blowing snow, and reduced visibility continue to create hazardous travel conditions into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Anchorage, advisories cover Anchorage, the Matanuska Valley, Turnagain Arm, Turnagain Pass, the Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound, Valdez, the Susitna Valley, and Hatcher Pass, with expiration times ranging from 6 a.m. to noon AKST Sunday, depending on location.
Snow totals vary widely by region. Anchorage and the Lower Matanuska Valley are expected to see 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches, while the Anchorage Hillside and Eagle River may receive 6 to 12 inches. In the Susitna Valley and Hatcher Pass, forecasters expect 9 to 18 inches, with up to 24 inches possible north of Talkeetna and through Broad Pass.
Additional snowfall of 4 to 8 inches is forecast for Turnagain Pass, the Interior Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound, and Valdez, where localized totals near 12 inches are possible. In Seward and the southern Kenai Mountains, snow continues under a Winter Weather Advisory following the expiration of a Winter Storm Warning earlier Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be very difficult, especially through mountain passes such as Turnagain Pass and Broad Pass, where blowing snow may reduce visibility to one-half mile or less. Near sea level, snow falling on wet or icy surfaces may further increase crash risk.
Heavier snow bands are expected to gradually taper from west to east Sunday, though steady snow may persist into the morning hours in several areas before improving later in the day.
Motorists are urged to slow down, avoid unnecessary travel, and check the latest road conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511.alaska.gov.
