Fairbanks, Alaska – Multiple winter hazards are expected to impact northern and western Alaska through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, Blizzard Warnings are in effect for much of the West Coast, where strong winds and blowing snow are creating whiteout conditions. Winter Storm Warnings extend from Unalakleet into the Interior Seward Peninsula and the Noatak and Kobuk valleys for heavy snowfall and drifting snow.
Forecasters say snowfall will develop in waves from Tuesday night through Friday morning, with periodic bursts of accumulation. Most communities in the Central Interior, including Fairbanks along the Richardson Highway (AK-2) and Parks Highway (AK-3), can expect between 4 and 8 inches total. Isolated higher terrain west of Fairbanks could approach 12 inches over three days. There is approximately a 20 percent chance Fairbanks could near the higher end of that range.
Communities along the West Coast, including Nome near AK-2 and Kotzebue along AK-11, may see 6 to 8 inches in addition to significant blowing snow. Wind-driven snow could reduce visibility to one-half mile or less at times.
Snow and gusty winds are expected to shift east into the Interior by midweek, increasing impacts along the Elliott Highway (AK-2 spur) and Steese Highway (AK-6). Travel conditions may change quickly, especially during heavier snow bands.
The extended duration of snowfall could affect midweek commuters, school transportation and supply routes across the region.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates and check Alaska road conditions before traveling.
