Alaska News

Weather warnings, advisories in effect for much of Alaska

Well, Alaskans, if you were hoping for good weather this weekend, it's time to be disappointed, and probably also time to stay inside and watch a lot of football. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) much of the state will be facing major weather, including winter storm warnings and watches of one kind or another.

Here's what you can expect in your region for Saturday and Sunday, and in some cases into Monday:

Much of Southcentral is under a flood watch which will remain in effect though Monday morning, according to the NWS. The region can expect some snow with isolated areas of freezing rain Saturday with a greater chance of rain on Sunday. Temperatures will remain warmer, between the mid 20s and the mid 30s. Anchorage and the MatSu Valley can expect snow, anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. But it likely won't stick around very long. By Sunday tropical air will push freezing rain into the area bringing wind to some parts of Southcentral. Driving conditions, it should be noted, will be hazardous.

The Interior of the state has its hand planted firmly in a bag of a mixed nuts. Fairbanks, where the forecast predicts warmer temperatures, has received a special weather statement citing the possibility of freezing rain on Sunday . But west of Fairbanks an official freezing rain (mixed with snow) advisory has been issued for both Saturday and Sunday.

Southeast looks to be one of the regions in the state not under the grip of the impending weather system passing overhead this weekend. In Juneau, snow is likely Saturday. Warmer temperatures, which will bring rain to the area, roll in on Sunday. No warnings or watches have been issued for the area, as of this writing, but a special weather statement announcing a "warming trend" has. The trend will last from the end of the weekend into midweek.

Many parts of Southwest Alaska are under either a winter storm warning or a winter weather advisory from now until early Sunday morning. McGrath can expect snow mixed with freezing rain beginning this afternoon and lasting into Sunday. Bethel and the Kuskokwim Delta too can experience a rain-snow mix, although weather should be a bit milder than in the east.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the entire Northern Arctic coast of Alaska's North Slope. NWS has dealt Barrow a winter weather advisory and a blizzard warning for the weekend. The latter will go into effect at 3 P.M. Sunday and last until Monday. High winds are expected, kicking up loose snow and reducing area visibility.

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The state's North and Northwest, including Kotzebue and Nome, are under winter storm warnings from now until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are on the menu, as well as moderate to high winds and poor visibility.

The Aleutians can expect some rain. Dutch Harbor and the Eastern Aleutians may see some snow on Sunday, but rain is expected to return by Monday night.

Road conditions are expected to be slippery in areas where snow and rain are mixing. Drivers are encouraged to use caution.

For more in your area check the weather center for Alaska. And please stay safe out there.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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