The National Weather Service has issued an winter storm alert across much of central and northern Southeast Alaska starting at midnight Wednesday. There is a chance of 15 inches of snow expected by Juneau.
NWS Meteorologist Edward Liske says snow will begin to accumulate while the majority of Juneau are sleeping.
“Should you have between four and 6 inches of snow in the ground by the time you wake up and are ready to head off on your way,” He said.
Liske states that commuters must make time for taking a drive on Wednesday morning.
The snowfall could be followed by wind gusts between 35-40 mph, which can cause an increase in visibility and blowing snow.
“Slow down, get ready to be ready for slippery, potentially snow-covered roads” the man said.
Accumulations of between 8 and 15 inches could be possible within Juneau, Gustavus, Hoonah and Haines before the close of Wednesday. The winter storm warning is set to expire at midnight on Wednesday.
Liske says that total accumulations are difficult to forecast due to the fact that they are contingent on the snow’s density. Liske predicts that the snow will begin dry and fluffy. However, there’s a possibility of an unusual wintery mix of rain and snow Wednesday when temperatures rise.
Juneau The Emergency Programs Manager Tom Mattice says that combination isn’t a good sign for the risk of urban avalanche.
“If temperatures are rising in the midst of a storm and you’re witnessing more wind gusts during a storm, particularly as temperatures rise past the threshold of freezing, things are bound to become unstable more quickly,” he said. “The risk of becoming unstable will increase quickly.”
Mattice states that the snowpack which has developed this winter is made up of lots of fragile layers. That can mean the potential for bigger avalanches. Mattice encourages everyone to be aware of the latest urban avalanche alert in the morning of Wednesday.
