A winter storm was expected to bring high winds and blowing snow to much of Southcentral Alaska on Monday, with heavy snow expected on the Kenai Peninsula, in Southwest Alaska and the Copper River region, and an avalanche warning in effect for the mountains from Girdwood to Seward.
“Travel will be difficult,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.”
Storm warnings for Anchorage were canceled overnight, with Monday expected to bring gusty winds, especially on the Hillside, and some fresh snow, the weather service said.
Elsewhere:
• A winter storm warning is in effect for the Girdwood and Portage areas starting at 9 a.m. “Total snow accumulations of 15 to 30 inches, with local amounts up to 36 inches possible,” the weather service said. “East winds gusting as high as 60 mph, strongest through Portage Valley.” This will affect travel on the Seward Highway. At the sea level, snow might mix with or turn into rain early Monday.
• A storm warning is in effect for parts of the Kenai Peninsula and western Prince William Sound, with between 15 and 30 inches of snow possible, the weather service said, along with blowing snow. The highest amounts are expected in Turnagain Pass and the Whittier area. The warning also affects Seward and Moose Pass.
“Travel will be difficult,” the weather service wrote. “Heavy snow and blowing snow will lead to white-out conditions at times.”
• An avalanche warning is in effect for the mountains from Girdwood to Seward.
“Heavy snowfall and strong winds will create widespread areas of unstable snow,” the weather service wrote. “Both human triggered and natural large avalanches are likely.” The weather service described conditions as “very dangerous.”
• An advisory is also in effect for the western Kenai Peninsula, including Cooper Landing, Kenai/Soldotna and Homer, with 4-8 inches of snow forecast and gusts to 40 mph.
• A blizzard warning is in effect for the Bristol Bay region with heavy snow and winds forecast.
• A storm warning is in effect for the Copper River region from late Sunday night to noon Monday, with up to 30 inches of snow and gusts to 35 mph.
• An advisory is in effect until Monday evening in Susitna Valley, including Talkeetna and Willow. Heavy and blowing snow is possible from Broad Pass to the north of Talkeetna. Gusty north winds, up to 40 mph, will be focused along the Parks Highway north of Talkeetna.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.