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Blizzard conditions shut down the Seward Highway south of Anchorage, cutting off Girdwood from the highway from early Wednesday morning to the afternoon.
Both lanes of the highway were closed at Indian, along Turnagain Arm, to Ingram Creek south of Turnagain Pass, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The closure includes the highway in both directions at Girdwood.
Department of Transportation spokeswoman Caitlin Frye said crews reported eight to 12 inches of snow in the area.
The transportation department described conditions as “Blowing snow, deep snow, drifting snow, ice build-up, icy patches, packed snow, rough icy patches, snow on roadway, wet and icy roads.” About a foot of snow had fallen on the highway overnight, according to DOT.
An alert from Anchorage police Wednesday morning said, “Extreme winter weather conditions are impacting visibility all around the Anchorage area, and snowy / icy road conditions continue throughout the morning.”
#southcentralalaska Since 8 p.m. 12/31 we have received significant amounts of snow, including 18” at Girdwood. The Seward Highway is CLOSED past Girdwood to Jerome Lake just north of the Wye. Crews have been working throughout the night to reopen. Pls check 511 for updates.
— Alaska DOT&PF (@AlaskaDOTPF) January 1, 2020
Anchorage saw several inches of fresh snow overnight, and scattered snow showers were forecast through Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.