The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect Wednesday afternoon, December 14th, through Thursday morning, December 15th, for much of Southcentral Alaska.
Another round of precipitation is expected to move across Southcentral Wednesday through Thursday this week. This system is expected to follow very soon after the passage of a relatively smaller snowfall for Tuesday. Precipitation is expected to begin as snow for most locations, but as warm, southerly flow brings additional moisture into the area, snow could transition to rain near coastal areas and the southern Kenai Peninsula. As warmer air filters through terrain gaps and through Cook Inlet, rain could mix with snow in the valley locations such as the Knik River Valley, the Copper River Valley, western Kenai, and the Anchorage Bowl. The potential for freezing rain cannot be ruled out for this event, especially for the Kenai Peninsula. Cold air will filter behind the frontal passage and could add to the potential for slippery surfaces. Heavy tree branches and power lines could break. Expect the forecast to change as this storm evolves.
According to the the National Weather Service, heavy snowfall is possible beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday morning. Total snowfall accumulations are predicted at up to 14 inches of snow across the Central Kenai Peninsula. For the Western Kenai Peninsula, precipitation is expected to begin as snow for most locations, but as warm, southerly flow brings additional moisture into the area, snow could transition to rain near coastal areas.
Travel could be very difficult during the storm. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.
Western Kenai Peninsula – Including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Cooper Landing
Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches possible. Heaviest snowfall near the Inlet from Nikiski to Soldotna to Ninilchik including the Sterling Highway. Areas closer to Kachemak Bay will likely see precipitation turn to mostly rain. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute.
Western Prince William Sound-Northeast Prince William Sound- Southeast Prince William Sound – Including the cities of Whittier, Seward, Girdwood, Moose Pass, Valdez, Thompson Pass, and Cordova
After a relatively small snowfall Tuesday, another round of precipitation is expected to move across the eastern Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound areas Wednesday through Thursday. Precipitation is expected to begin as snow for most locations, but as warm, southerly flow brings additional moisture into the area, snow could transition to rain near coastal areas. Cold air will filter behind the frontal passage and could add to the potential for slippery surfaces. Be aware that the forecast may change considerably as this storm develops.
Anchorage – Including the cities of Anchorage, Eagle River, Indian, and Eklutna
Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations of 7 to 12 inches possible. The majority of precipitation will fall as snow, however there is a chance there could be a few hours of rain Wednesday night before turning back to snow early Thursday morning. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
Matanuska Valley – Including the cities of Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton, and Chickaloon
Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations of 6 to 13 inches possible. Heaviest snowfall from Wasilla west and southwest. Palmer may be in the precipitation shadow for at the beginning of this event. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.