Fairbanks, Alaska – Heavy snow continues to impact Interior Alaska this weekend, with dangerous travel conditions expected to persist through Sunday night as a prolonged winter storm moves across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, snow will continue across the Interior through the rest of the weekend, with only a brief lull possible Saturday evening. Updated totals show 6 to 12 inches of snow expected from Fairbanks west to Manley Hot Springs, while 7 to 14 inches are likely from Livengood north to the Dalton Highway summits. Areas including Nenana, Healy, Cantwell, Minto, Rampart, and Yukon Crossing are also in line for significant accumulation.
The most hazardous conditions are expected Saturday night through Sunday, when snowfall rates may reach or exceed 1 inch per hour during heavier bands. Strong east winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, are forecast near the Dalton Highway summits and White Mountains, producing blowing and drifting snow with sharply reduced visibility.
Travel along the Parks Highway, Dalton Highway, and surrounding rural roads could become extremely difficult, especially in higher terrain where visibility may drop below one-half mile at times. Fairbanks drivers should also prepare for snow-covered roads and slow travel throughout the city.
Motorists are urged to delay non-essential travel, carry winter survival gear, and allow extra time to reach destinations. Snow is expected to gradually taper late Sunday night, but lingering impacts are likely into early next week as cleanup continues and temperatures remain cold.
