Fairbanks, AK – Drivers across parts of northern Alaska are being urged to use caution tonight into Saturday morning as freezing rain could create slick and hazardous travel conditions.
According to the US National Weather Service Fairbanks, two regions on opposite sides of northern Alaska—the Yukon Flats in the east and the Northern Seward Peninsula and Baldwin Peninsula in the west—could see periods of freezing rain overnight into early Saturday.
The greatest concern centers on timing between late Friday night and mid-morning Saturday. In western areas, including the Seward Peninsula, freezing rain could begin around midnight and continue through about 10 a.m. Saturday. Farther east in the Yukon Flats, the window for possible icing is expected between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday.
While widespread ice accumulation is not expected, forecasters emphasize that even light glazing can create dangerous road conditions. According to the National Weather Service, the probability of accumulating ice remains low in both regions, but slightly higher in the Yukon Flats compared to western coastal areas.
Communities that could be affected include Fort Yukon, Circle, and Beaver in the Yukon Flats, along with parts of the Seward Peninsula and Northwest Interior.
Residents and travelers are advised to plan for slower travel, allow extra time, and remain alert for untreated or icy roadways, especially during early morning hours Saturday.
