The National Weather Service reports widespread heavy snow is expected for the Kenai Peninsula. The temperature is expected to increase along with an incoming weather system, increasing the possibility for snow.
KSRM Meteorologist Sally Russel says:
“We have a disturbance that’s expected to push in and this one’s going to be a snow banker. It could drop from four to eight inches across the area. Most everybody will pick up anywhere from four to six. Light snow develops this afternoon and picks up in intensity. We could see some very heavy snow reducing visibilities tonight into Thursday morning. That’s something to consider as you plan your Thursday morning commute. You definitely want to slow down and maybe consider leaving a few minutes early as the roads are expected to be slick.”
Three to six inches of snow is likely across the Western Kenai Peninsula Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening for the areas of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer and Cooper Landing. The snow is expected to diminish Thursday morning through the evening, but light snow may persist across the southern Kenai Peninsula into Thursday night. Localized reductions in visibility are likely along area highways from vehicular traffic, and in areas where snowfall rates are heavier.
The Western Prince William Sound, however, is expected to see even heavier snowfall totals as Whittier, Seward, Girdwood and Moose pass could see up to a foot of snow along the Seward Highway Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. The heaviest snow is expected in the Seward area, where as much as a foot of snow is currently forecast. Whittier and Portage are expected to pick up four to eight inches of snow, with up to six inches around Girdwood. Occasionally heavy snow will cause hazardous conditions along the Seward Highway due to significant reductions in visibility. As of now, there is uncertainty as to whether all of the storm’s precipitation in Seward will be snow, or if it will mix with rain at times. A mix with rain could reduce snowfall totals significantly from the amounts currently forecast, according to the National Weather Service.
During this weather event, regardless of where along the Kenai Peninsula you are located, slow down and use caution when driving on area roads Wednesday night and Thursday morning due to the expected slick conditions. Leave extra space between vehicles and plan for extra time to get to where you are going.