Alaska winter storm: Warning issued for heavy snow, several areas to get up to 30 inches of snow, 65 mph winds this week

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow in Alaska’s Fairbanks. The forecast for snow in the eastern Alaska Range has been expanded and the area could see up to 24 inches of snow fall over the next week. The region will also see high wind speeds of 65 mph from Monday October 19, while snow will throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Areas above 2,500 feet are likely to get about 18 to 30 inches for snow, while more is possible for those above pass level. For areas below 2,500 feet the forecast is for 12 to 18 inches of snow with winds reaching speeds of 40 mph.

The Winter Storm Watch will last from 11 am ET on Monday to 8 am ET on Thursday. The weather service had also warned that those travelling might face issues. The NWS said travel could be “very difficult to impossible”, with reduced visibility due to the snow.

Which areas will see the heaviest snow?

According to the weather advisory, the Richardson Highway from Miles Pot 202 to 259, the Trims Camp areas, Donnelly Dome and Black rapids are expected to see the heaviest snowfalls. The NWS has also issued a wind advisory for the areas.

The wind advisory covers the Richardson Highway, which could see south winds of 30 to 40 mph. The wind may gain higher speeds of 65 mph. The area is also forecast to get light snow that may lift into blowing snow leading to hazardous conditions for motorists. The NWS’ wind advisory lasts from 4 am ET on Monday to 2 am ET on Tuesday.

According to the NWS, wind will shift to the north from Tuesday as the Isabel Pass experiences moderate to heavy snowfall. The NWS’ expanded storm watch also covers the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Nenana. A watch has also been issued for the Fairbanks metropolitan area.

These areas are expected to get 4 to 8 inches of snow from Tuesday, October 20 through Wednesday. The storm is also expected to affect morning travel on both days. The Denali Borough has also been put under a watch and is expected to get 8 to 12 inches of snow with winds of up to 40 mph.

A similar forecast has been issued for the Yukon Flats, with 4 to 8 inches of snow from Tuesday through Wednesday. The NWS has also increased snowfall prediction for Delta Junction, Fortymile Country and the Upper Tanana Valley. These areas are likely to receive 6 to 12 inches of snow. The region between the Dot Lake is expected to get 12 to 18 inches of snow, with the Alaska Highways getting 2 to 5 inches. Winds in these areas are expected to reach 35 mph.

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What does a winter storm watch mean?

According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is issued for areas that will receive heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours. It could also indicate that these areas might get 8 inches of snowfall in 24 hours. A winter storm warning may also be issued if the sleet accumulation in an area is expected to be at least half an inch.

A watch is generally issued well in advance, nearly at least 24 hours. It indicates that the risk of “a hazardous winter weather” has increased with at least 50% chance of it occurring, according to the NWS. A watch also indicates that the location or timing of the storm is uncertain. A watch is different from a warning and an advisory.