Alaska News

From Palmer to Cordova: Photos of Southcentral Alaska snowstorm 2012

Residents of towns around Prince William Sound are digging out of snowfall that drifted more than 8 feet in places and shut down the only highway in or out of Valdez, a community of about 4,000 that is not infrequently the snowiest city in the U.S.

The National Weather Service said Valdez received a record 19.2 inches of snow on Thursday, which leaves the coastal town with 252 inches (about 21 feet) so far this winter. Forecasters said Valdez residents should expect a total of some 3 feet by the time the current snowstorm ends, with limited visibility hampering drivers and pedestrians.

Nearby, the town of Cordova declared a local emergency as the road to the airport was temporarily blocked and the roofs on several commercial buildings collapsed under the weight of the wet, heavy snow. The Alaska National Guard deployed more than 50 personnel Sunday to help the community dig out. Read the full article, here.

You can see more photos and video at the Cordova-based blog CordovaBuzz.

ADVERTISEMENT