A Strong Weekend Storm to Slam Alaska

January 06, 2012|By: Mitch Sego | Channel 2 Weather

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A couple of disturbances brought snow to Southcentral yesterday and overnight. Over half a foot fell along the mountains in Anchorage. Higher snow totals near two feet have been reported in the eastern PWS region. Snow and mixed precipitation are still lingering in Valdez and Cordova this morning.

A dome of high pressure has strengthened over Southwest Alaska and has brought a return to bitter cold for Bristol Bay and the Alaska Peninsula. Wind Chill Advisories are in effect into tomorrow for the Lower Kuskokwim and near Bristol Bay. Wind chills will approach 70 below locally.

The rest of the west coast will remain frigid. Highs from 15 to 30 below are anticipated. Western Interior temperatures will fall back toward 50 below tonight.

Snow associated with a dying storm system moving over the northern Panhandle into Canada will taper off later today in Fairbanks and points east. Up to 5 inches are likely with highs in the teens along the Alcan.

Rain and snow are likely today for all of Southeast Alaska. With another day in the 30s and 40s, much of the precipitation will fall as rain from Sitka southward. But snow, mixing with sleet or rain, is more likely to the north.

Looking ahead, snow and blizzard conditions will plow into Southwest tonight and spread over the rest of the state through the weekend. A Blizzard Warning is in effect for Kodiak, the Alaska Peninsula and eastern Bristol Bay beginning this evening. Conditions will deteriorate further overnight, with winds gusting to 50 mph through channeled terrain and periods of heavy snow. Visibilities may be reduced to zero in blizzard conditions.

Snow will increase during the day Saturday in Southcentral. Southeasterly winds will become strong tomorrow morning through Turnagain Arm. This will transport moisture from the Gulf north over the area. However, it may briefly limit snowfall Saturday morning in Anchorage and the Valley due to downsloping. But as the low tracks into PWS, a tightened pressure gradient over the Inlet will emerge. North and northeast winds will advect cold air and enhance snow potential overnight Saturday and Sunday. Snow may be heavy at times.

As of now, expect 4 to 8 inches for the Inlet region, including Anchorage and the Valley, with up to a foot along the mountains.

There is still some uncertainty with this weekend snow storm. While snow is certain, a slight shift in the track of the low could impact snow totals. Despite this uncertainly, there is a high probability for heavy snowfall in Southcentral. Record breaking snow this season in Valdez and Cordova could be compounded by an addition 1 to 3 feet through the weekend.

Please plan accordingly now and stay with me on Facebook and at ktuu.com/weather for updates and more details.

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