Anchorage, Alaska – Travel across Southcentral Alaska is becoming increasingly hazardous as a prolonged winter weather system brings accumulating snow, blowing snow, and sharply reduced visibility from the Kenai Peninsula through Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valleys. Forecasters warn that impacts will extend into midweek, affecting major highways, mountain passes, and daily commutes.
According to the National Weather Service Anchorage, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect across much of the region beginning late Sunday night, with conditions expected to deteriorate overnight and persist through Wednesday.
Snow and Blowing Snow Impacting the Kenai Peninsula
On the Kenai Peninsula, snow will intensify overnight into Monday morning, with 4 to 10 inches of accumulation expected in many communities. Northerly winds gusting 20 to 30 mph will cause widespread blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility.
The most dangerous conditions are forecast along Cook Inlet coastal areas, including:
- Sterling Highway from Anchor Point to Clam Gulch
- Kalifornsky Beach Road
- Routes from Kenai to Nikiski
In these locations, visibility may drop to one-half mile or less, particularly during heavier snowfall and gusty wind periods. Snow-covered roads combined with drifting snow are likely to make travel slow and unpredictable, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Anchorage and Mat-Su Face Prolonged Multi-Day Snow Event
Farther north, Anchorage, Eagle River, the Matanuska Valley, and the Susitna Valley are entering a longer-lasting winter event that will unfold in multiple phases.
Forecasters expect two distinct rounds of snowfall:
- First round: Light snow overnight into Monday morning
- Second round: A more persistent snowfall developing later Monday and continuing through Wednesday morning
Total snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are likely across the Anchorage Bowl and surrounding communities, with locally higher totals possible near Hatcher Pass and the Anchorage Hillside.
While snowfall rates may not always be heavy, gusty winds will loft light, powdery snow, creating sudden whiteout conditions on area roads. Drivers may encounter rapidly changing visibility, particularly on elevated roadways, open corridors, and hillside routes.
Mountain Passes and Coastal Areas Under Additional Advisories
Additional Winter Weather Advisories and hazardous travel conditions are posted for several high-impact travel corridors, including:
- Turnagain Pass
- Portage Valley
- Thompson Pass
- Cordova
In these areas, wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph are expected, significantly increasing the risk of blowing snow and near-zero visibility at times. Mountain passes may experience drifting snow across lanes, making traction unreliable and travel conditions dangerous even for experienced winter drivers.
Travel Disruptions Likely Through Midweek
Officials strongly urge residents and travelers to delay non-essential travel, particularly during the Monday morning commute, when the first wave of snow and blowing snow will coincide with peak traffic hours.
Although snowfall may briefly ease Monday afternoon, forecasters caution that this lull will be temporary. Additional snow is expected to redevelop later Monday and persist through Wednesday, keeping roads snow-covered and visibility limited for several consecutive days.
Air travel delays, school transportation impacts, and disruptions to freight movement are also possible as crews work to keep highways and local roads passable amid continuous snowfall.
Safety Guidance for Drivers and Residents
With prolonged winter conditions expected, officials recommend the following precautions:
- Reduce speed and increase following distance on snow-covered roads
- Carry emergency supplies including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight
- Allow extra travel time, especially for mountain passes and coastal routes
- Check road and weather updates frequently before departing
- Avoid travel during periods of blowing snow whenever possible
Drivers should remain alert for sudden whiteouts, which can occur even when snowfall appears light.
What to Expect Next
Weather models indicate that cold air will remain entrenched across Southcentral Alaska through midweek, allowing snow to linger and compounding travel hazards. Road conditions may improve only gradually as snowfall tapers late Wednesday, depending on local wind conditions and snow removal efforts.
Residents across the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valleys are advised to prepare for several days of winter travel challenges as this extended weather system moves through the region.
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