National Weather Service issues winter weather advisory for interior Alaska with up to 9 inches of snow expected

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for portions of interior Alaska, predicting snowfall totals between 4 and 9 inches from Thursday afternoon, October 2 through Friday evening. The advisory covers the White Mountains, high terrain south of the Yukon River, and the Chatanika River Valley, including sections of the Steese and Elliott highways.

The winter weather advisory takes effect at 2 p.m. local time Thursday and remains until 10 p.m. Friday, according to the NWS office in Fairbanks. Higher elevations will receive the most significant accumulation, with the Steese Highway up to mile marker 90 and elevated portions of the White Mountains most affected.

A weaker weather system Wednesday night will initiate snowfall before the main storm intensifies Thursday night through Friday morning. The timing suggests significant impacts during Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.


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"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes," the NWS said in its advisory issued at 4:44 a.m. Wednesday.

NWS warns of hazardous travel conditions and icy surfaces

The National Weather Service advised motorists to reduce speed, exercise caution, and check current road conditions by calling 511. Residents should also monitor outdoor surfaces including stairs and sidewalks, which may become icy and increase fall risks.

"If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury," NWS Fairbanks stated in the winter weather advisory.

Early season snow arrives ahead of historical average

The Fairbanks area received over an inch of snow last weekend. NWS Fairbanks shared images on social media showing 1.2 inches of accumulation.

"According to record, the Fairbanks area typically gets their first inch of snow on October 9th, so we are about two weeks ahead of schedule," NWS Fairbanks posted on X. "This snow is unlikely to stick around, but keep an eye on the horizon as winter is coming!"

Storm expected to deliver heaviest snow at higher elevations

NWS Fairbanks provided additional storm details via social media Tuesday regarding expected snowfall distribution across affected areas.

"Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected for the White Mountains, with the highest amounts reaching the Steese and Eagle Summits and Upper Chatanika Valley Thursday evening into Friday night. Mixed precipitation is expected at lower elevations," NWS Fairbanks posted on X.

Residents advised to monitor weather updates through Friday

The National Weather Service recommends residents stay informed through official NWS updates and local communication channels as the storm develops. The advisory remains active until Friday night, with updates anticipated as conditions evolve.

The agency emphasizes the importance of preparedness as Alaska transitions into colder months, particularly for communities and travelers using major routes affected by the winter weather advisory.