The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a winter storm for portions of the North Gulf Coast and Prince William Sound early Sunday morning through Monday. Affected areas include the cities of Whittier, Seward, Girdwood, Moose Pass, Valdez, Thompson Pass, and Cordova.
A strong North Pacific low expected to impact Kodiak on Saturday will track into the Gulf, reaching the north Gulf coast by Saturday night. Widespread, varied winter storm impacts can be expected along the north Gulf coast and Prince William Sound as the low slowly weakens in the northern Gulf through Monday.
Snow will begin Saturday night in Cordova and spread westward along the coast, reaching Whittier by Sunday morning. Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches of snow will be possible in eastern Prince William Sound, including the cities of Cordova and Valdez. Snowfall will combine with winds up to 25 mph at times to produce the potential for blowing snow with reduced visibilities Sunday morning with the passage of the initial front, before warm air behind the front could change precipitation to a mix of rain and snow in Cordova during the day on Sunday. A second period of blowing snow is possible again on Sunday night as colder air wraps around the low, turning precipitation back to snow.
Light snow and gusty winds are also possible for Western Prince William Sound beginning early Sunday afternoon. There is still uncertainty as to how much snow will fall from Whittier to Portage Valley and Turnagain Pass, but a couple of inches of accumulation is possible. The combination of snow and wind may reduce visibilities along area roads at times.