Alaska

High winds, freezing rain and heavy snow spread across Alaska

Published

1 year ago

January 6, 2025

High winds, freezing rain and heavy snow spread across Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Active weather is building back across Alaska with temperatures 10 to 30 degrees warmer than Sunday morning. This stretch of warm and wet weather will remain through the week with high winds impacting areas of Southcentral and the Alaska Range. The strongest winds will occur today (Monday), with winds gusting as high as 85 mph in some of the harder-hit areas.

SOUTHCENTRAL:

Most of Southcentral is waking up to a variety of weather alerts. From high winds to freezing rain, heavy rain to snow, Southcentral will see a mixed bag of precipitation impacting the region. This comes as a strong low moves out of the Northern Pacific Ocean and lifts northward through the Gulf of Alaska.

While the winds are not terribly gusty this morning, expect a gradual increase in winds through the afternoon. The strongest winds will occur through the Matanuska Valley, Anchorage Hillside, Turnagain Arm, Portage and Cordova. These locations can expect to see winds gusting as high as 75 mph, with higher wind gusts along the Anchorage Hillside and through Portage. It’s here where winds could gusts up to 85 mph, with occasional gusts of 100 mph for Portage. Be prepared for possible power outages and downed trees where winds whip the longest.

While the rest of Southcentral won’t see high winds, gusts of 20 to 50 mph still look possible. These winds will be responsible for a quick climb in temperatures today, with all of Southcentral seeing highs climbing above freezing. The potential for highs to climb well into the 40s will occur where winds remain the strongest and mixing occurs. The warmest stretch of weather looks to arrive this evening where the winds will remain the strongest.

In addition to the winds, a mixed bag of precipitation will fall across Southcentral. Expect hazardous roads wherever there is rain and freezing rain.

Rain will largely impact coastal areas, where 2 to 5 inches of accumulation looks likely through the middle of the week. Further inland where temperatures remain below freezing, a mix and/or freezing rain will occur through the first part of the day. Some areas of Southcentral have already seen light rain showers through the night, which led to a coating of ice on windshields left out in the elements. Up to a quarter of an inch of freezing rain is possible for parts of Southcentral, with the best potential for accumulation occurring in the Mat-Su Valley, Anchorage and into the Copper River Basin this evening. Western parts of the Kenai will see the potential for a glaze of ice, before enough warm air moves in to transition to rain.

While freezing rain and winds look to cause concerns for parts of Southcentral, heavy snow will also impact areas of the Copper River Basin and near Thompson Pass. While only 6 to 12 inches looks likely through the Copper River Basin, Thompson Pass could see 2 to 3 feet of snow accumulation. This could change as temperatures continue to steadily warm. Valdez is already sitting at freezing this morning, meaning the city could see more of a rain event, while the pass holds onto heavy wet snow.

Precipitation and winds die down into Tuesday, with only scattered areas remaining. While inland areas remain primarily dry through Wednesday, another storm system looks to arrive later this week. This upcoming storm could once again bring more winds, freezing rain and continued warmth for Southcentral.

SOUTHEAST:

A winter storm warning remains in effect for Skagway, Haines and Klukwan until noon. Two to 4 inches of snow will fall, with winds gusting up to 35 mph. As the snow tapers off, more snow and rain move in through the night. While snow and areas of wintry mix will primarily impact the Northern Panhandle, the rest of Southeast will see wet and windy conditions. As the rain builds in this evening, we’ll see 1 to 2 inches spread across the panhandle.

Active and wet weather looks to remain through much of the week. As a result, expect daily rain and winds will remain in the forecast. While some days will provide some much needed dry time, the overall weather pattern favors wet weather through the end of this week. We’ll see daily highs climbing into the 40s, keeping much of Southeast seeing rain. The only exception will be parts of the Northern Panhandle, where enough cold air remains that we could see pockets of wintry mix.

INTERIOR:

Temperatures in the Interior continue to warm, with many locations seeing highs 20 to 35 degrees warmer than last week. This week will bring very warm conditions to the Interior, with many locations warming into the 10s and 20s. The only exception will be for locations near the Alaska Range (highs expected in the 20s) and the Eastern Interior (highs in the 0s and 10s.).

Areas of the Alaska Range will see gusty winds develop throughout the day and linger through the middle of the week. Winds will gust upwards of 85 mph, with some of the strongest winds occurring north of Trims Camp. In addition to the winds, the Alaska Range will see several inches of snowfall. Blizzard conditions are possible, with 4 to 7 inches of snow accumulation. Most of the snow will fall in the Southern Denali Borough and the Eastern Alaska Range, south of Trims Camp.

While no alerts are in place, snow will also spread north through the Interior this week. Up to an inch of snow, if not slightly more, is expected for the rest of the Interior through the middle of the week. While this shouldn’t lead to any traffic issues, as temperatures warm this week, we could see some slick spots develop across parts of the Interior.

Daily highs for Fairbanks will warm well into the 10s and 20s, with an outside chance we could see a few 30s popping up across the Interior. While the better chance for that will be near the Alaska Range, inland areas of the Interior will also see a stretch of warmer weather.

SLOPE/WESTERN ALASKA:

Cold weather remains for the Slope, with gusty winds expected to stick around through the day. This will lead to some areas of blowing snow and wind chills near -40 in some spots. Strong winds look to impact parts of the Western Brooks Range, where gusts up to 60 to 70 mph look possible. As a result of this, a high wind warning goes into effect later today through Tuesday evening.

While little to no snow is expected for much of the Slope, areas fo the Beaufort Sea Coastline and Arctic Plains could see a few inches of accumulation this evening through Wednesday. 1 to 3 inches looks possible for the immediate coastline, with areas of the Brooks Range seeing 3 to 5 inches. If you’re traveling through Atigun Pass, be prepared for blowing snow and visibility down to half a mile at times.

While things will remain largely dry for Western Alaska, gusty winds will be an issue today. Winds of 30 to 70 mph look possible, with areas of blowing snow leading to reduced visibility. Although not as warm, Western Alaska will see highs today climbing into the 10s. With strong winds sticking around, many areas will see wind chills remain well below zero today.

Through Southwest Alaska, scattered to periodic snow showers look to remain in the forecast. 3 to 6 inches looks to be the best bet for most locations, with the heaviest snow falling from Dillingham, northeast to Koliganek and Stuyahok. While snow looks to be the primary precipitaton today, warmer weather tomorrow could lead to some areas of rain and snow for southwest.

ALEUTIANS:

Light rain showers and winds are impacting the Aleutians this morning, with less than a quarter of an inch for most areas. While some areas of the Alaska Peninsula may see some light snow showers, a warmer push of air will lead to most areas seeing rain in the forecast. We’ll keep with gusty winds and mild temperatures this week, as daily highs warm into the 30s and 40s.

One thing to watch will be increasing winds for parts of St. Lawrence Island and parts of the Bering Sea, where winds will remain quite gusty. Gusts up to 60 mph will be possible, with areas of freezing spray for the Bering Sea, Pribilofs, Nunivak island and areas of St. Lawrence Island.

OUTLOOK AHEAD:

A warmer weather pattern looks to grip much of the state for the next few weeks. Daily highs will likely stay at or above freezing in Southcentral, with the Interior not dropping back below zero until late next week. Numerous storm systems look to take aim on Alaska over the next 2 weeks, with a mixed bag of precipitation to be expected. There’s not good chance of snow in the forecast for Anchorage and surrounding locations. While we could see a brief opportunity for snow over the next week, expect little accumulation if any.

Have a safe and wonderful start to your week.

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Alaska

Opinion: No one wants debt, and Alaska students are proving it

Published

17 minutes ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Opinion: No one wants debt, and Alaska students are proving it

The University of Alaska Anchorage. (Bill Roth / ADN)

No one wants debt. This was the top finding of students and parents recently surveyed by the Education Trust of Alaska.

The Trust commissioned focus groups and a survey of current University of Alaska students and parents of University of Alaska students and eighth graders to gain a better understanding of existing awareness about the Alaska Performance Scholarship, Alaska 529 and University of Alaska scholarships; their college planning strategies; and motivations for attending the University of Alaska. Respondents in each group were clear: No one wants debt. They also shared that planning is overwhelming when the future seems so uncertain. Those who chose the University of Alaska were satisfied with their decision. Here’s a further, more detailed analysis:

Confusion and uncertainty can lead to decision paralysis: Investing in a 529 plan early can help alleviate future debt. However, awareness about how funds can be used, uncertainty about their child’s interest in future education after high school and the inability to save enough are barriers to planning or saving in advance. Many parent respondents said they avoid investing because they don’t think it will yield enough to cover the costs of education and training. Parents are worried about the portability of 529 accounts if their child attends an out-of-state school, doesn’t go to college or pursues a trade.

The truth about modern 529 plans: 529 accounts have become increasingly flexible; now, qualifying expenses include trades, apprenticeships, vocational training, college, professional credentialing and more. Every dollar saved is $2 they won’t have to pay back later, including interest, so any amount saved can help reduce future debt. 529s can be used at most colleges and universities nationally. Any earnings grow federal tax-free and as long as the funds are used for the qualifying expenses, they remain tax-free. If the account has unused funds, a solution is available thanks to recently enacted legislation that allows for rollovers into Roth IRA accounts. Most families don’t save for the full cost of attendance in- or out-of-state. Participants in Alaska’s state-sponsored Alaska 529 education savings plan have an average account balance of just over $17,000. Investing in a 529 plan early can help alleviate future debt, but it is not a standalone option for financing education.

Current University of Alaska students expressed satisfaction with their decision to attend UA: Students who chose to attend a school in the University of Alaska system were primarily responsible for covering the costs of their college education and debt avoidance was a major factor. The UA students were blown away by the diverse academic opportunities available to them in-state. Some respondents had applied to and were accepted to schools Outside. When they compared the costs of attending an out-of-state school with the options available in-state, it became clear that the financially prudent and responsible choice for them was to attend an in-state school. Students attending UA found that it was not only affordable but also that they had additional money on the table through the Alaska Performance Scholarship because they had taken eligible classes in high school, met the minimum GPA requirement and completed the FAFSA. Survey respondents indicated that they didn’t realize there were so many scholarship options in Alaska. They wished they had paid attention to information about Alaska scholarships earlier in high school. The real financial pie has many pieces. At UA, that might include a 529 plan, federal aid, the Alaska Performance Scholarship, the UA Scholars Award and other scholarships available to students from all academic and economic backgrounds.

Parents face pressures, information gaps and conflicting emotions in their efforts to support their students: In the survey, parents of eighth graders and current UA students said they want to help their child succeed, want to avoid debt but expect the student to pay their own way for education and training after high school. Parents of current UA students felt a strong sense of pride in Alaska and hoped that their child would live and work in Alaska after college. During the college search process, they felt some peer pressure to send their child out of state but felt satisfied with their child’s decision to attend an in-state school. They wished they had learned earlier, in eighth grade, about Alaska-based scholarships so they could have helped coach their child on high school course selection. When they were shown the Alaska Performance Scholarship planning worksheet available at acpe.alaska.gov, most didn’t recall seeing it before but thought it was the perfect planning tool.

Parents of eighth graders found the prospect of college planning, including the courses required to attain the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the requirements of the UA Scholars Award, to be overwhelming. They did not feel ready to learn about these scholarship programs or college planning. Parents were primarily focused on helping their middle schooler navigate the early teenage years, feel connected to activities and manage the stressors of middle school. They also expressed uncertainty about traditional college pathways, leaning more toward vocational training and trades.

The bottom line: Planning is key; however, it can be overwhelming, leading to decision paralysis. Seeking information and support starting in junior high and throughout high school is key to setting a student up for future success. Avoiding debt is doable. The numerous financial tools available in Alaska can help our kids start strong, debt-free and equipped with the training and education needed to secure fulfilling Alaska jobs.

Lael M. Oldmixon is the executive director of the Education Trust of Alaska.

• • •

The Anchorage Daily News welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.

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Alaska

Rounding to the nearest nickel for cash purchases proposed by Alaska lawmaker

Published

12 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Rounding to the nearest nickel for cash purchases proposed by Alaska lawmaker

HB 281 mirrors legislation in other states due to shortage of pennies resulting from Trump administration’s halt in production

A cash register drawer at Rainbow Foods on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

Suzanne Cohen says she hasn’t had trouble coming up with enough pennies when making cash purchases. But since the copper coins are no longer being minted she doesn’t object if future purchases are rounded off to the nearest nickel.

“If they’ve gotten rid of it it seems like it’s only a matter of time, so this is probably the right thing to do eventually,” she said during the noon hour on Monday at Rainbow Foods.

A hour earlier and a block away at the Alaska State Capitol, a bill was introduced rounding cash purchases to the nearest five-cent sum by Rep. Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River. House Bill 281 is similar to legislation introduced in other states following the Trump administration’s decision last year to stop making new pennies.

“After the U.S. Treasury decided last fall to stop minting pennies, they’re disappearing from circulation faster than they expected,” Saddler stated in an email to the Juneau Independent on Monday. “As pennies get more scarce, we should make sure businesses can’t round transactions up or down to their advantage. My HB 281 simply sets consistent, fair standards for how cash transactions should be rounded to the nearest nickel, to protect Alaska consumers and businesses.”

Practically applied, it means a shopper handing $2 to a cashier would get no change back from a $1.98 purchase, but a nickel back from a $1.97 purchase.

“If the total ends in one cent, two cents, six cents, or seven cents, the total is rounded down to the nearest amount divisible by five cents; (2) if the total ends in three cents, four cents, eight cents, or nine cents, the total is rounded up to the nearest amount divisible by five cents,” the text of HB 281 states.

Dyoni Smith, a section manager at Rainbow Foods who was working at one of the registers on Monday, said there hasn’t been a noticeable shortage of pennies yet either at the store or for the cash purchases she still makes regularly.

“We have a few people who actually pay to the penny with cash,” she said. “And then we have some, like one guy who comes in and he’ll pay cash, and he’ll put the remainder in the donation jar. And then another guy who comes in and sometimes he’ll pay to the penny — sometimes he’ll get change out of the change jar. So there’s quite a few people who I see who use cash.”

President Donald Trump last February ordered the U.S. Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies — something long discussed by other policymakers since the coins cost more to make than they are worth. The U.S. Mint reported that a penny cost about 3.7 cents to make in fiscal 2024, up from 3.1 cents the previous year.

Among the factors to be considered in states implementing rounding laws are possible legal challenges, impacts to retailers and what happened when Canada stopped distributing its penny in 2012, according to a policy summary by the National Conference of State Legislatures. But generally the organization states such laws are worth supporting.

“While states may approach this issue differently due to their own unique circumstances, there is a growing consensus among retailers, economists, and other stakeholders, recognizing symmetrical rounding, (up or down) to the nearest nickel, as the fairest method to all parties when applying to cash transaction,” the policy summary notes.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.

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Alaska

TSA is now accepting Alaska Mobile IDs at select airports

Published

1 day ago

January 26, 2026

Press Room

TSA is now accepting Alaska Mobile IDs at select airports

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Transportation Security Administration has begun accepting Alaska Mobile ID’s at security checkpoints in the Anchorage and Juneau airports. The digital ID’s, which were introduced in the state about a year ago, are just starting to catch on, according to Lauren Whiteside, Division Operations Manager for the Alaskan DMV.

Whiteside said the Division has been working closely with partners for months to prepare Alaska’s Mobile IDs for use at TSA checkpoints in both airports.

“This is a really modernized movement that we are really excited to be a part of,” Whiteside said.

The IDs are obtained through an app that can be downloaded for free. The DMV website has links to the app stores as well as other information on how to obtain a mobile ID.

Whiteside said there are lots of advantages to having your state approved identification on your phone. At the airport, she said, it’s convenience.

“You know sometimes you have your kids with you, sometimes you are balancing carry-on luggage, and if you can do all of your check-ins just using your phone, that’s really appealing to people.”

But Whiteside said the main appeal is privacy. No information can be shared from a mobile ID without the user’s consent, and people can select how much information they wish to share depending on the circumstances.

“I can opt to send everything, which you would likely always want to do with law enforcement, but you have all these options on what you choose to send and what you don’t choose to send,” she said.

Whiteside said it’s important to remember that mobile IDs don’t replace physical IDs, instead, they’re considered a companion to a regular ID and people will need to carry both in case a physical ID is requested.

Although TSA acceptance is limited to just the Anchorage and Juneau airports, Whiteside said she fully expects the program will expand to other airports and other industries.

“As time goes on it’s going to become more and more common, so we recommend anyone who wants to have it- it is not a requirement -but anyone who wants it, we encourage you to go ahead and download,” she said.

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