Bitter cold returns to Southcentral Alaska, more snow for Southeast

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Anchorage is nearly four inches away from surpassing last year’s snowfall, following the record-breaking two-day snow that fell across parts of Southcentral Alaska.

While the snow has tapered off for some, some light snow is still falling across Southcentral. Additional accumulation for many will likely top out near a trace to less than 0.20 inches; the only exception will be through eastern Prince William Sound and the Copper River Basin where several more inches can be expected. Valdez could end the day with an additional 6-9 inches of snowfall through the evening.

With the recent snow, visibility issues will be common the next few mornings, largely due to areas of blowing snow being lofted from passing vehicles, but also because freezing fog looks possible over the next few mornings. A reminder that with any freezing fog, visibility will suddenly drop off in areas of dense fog. Take it easy and slow on the roads the next few mornings when required, as you will want to get to your destination as safely as possible.

Clouds will slowly depart through the day and into Wednesday, setting the stage for the return of colder weather. For Southcentral, we’ll see temperatures fall at or below zero through the rest of the week, with overnight lows dropping as low as -25 in some spots. Warmer conditions will be felt near the Gulf Coast, where temperatures will likely warm into the single digits and teens. It will be an unseasonably cold start to February in many spots across Southcentral and the state as a whole.

Southeast Alaska continues to see fairly mild conditions, although cooler weather is set to return to the region over the coming days. For Tuesday, we’ll see rain transitioning to a wintry mix and then eventually snow through the night. The recent wild weather in Southeast will likely mean many roads continue to remain either slick or icy in some of the cooler locations. Use caution on the roads or any difficult conditions you may encounter.

A winter storm watch is in effect for the Northern Panhandle beginning tomorrow morning, as our next storm moves in from the northern Pacific. Six to 9 inches of snowfall looks likely for the region, with gusts as high as 40 mph, leading to reduced visibility at times. Farther south through Southeast, snow will gradually filter into areas of wintry mix. This will be due to warmer conditions through the Southern Inner Channels. All locations in Southeast should see a better opportunity for snow later this week into the weekend, as temperatures drop below freezing.

Take it easy today and have a wonderful Tuesday!

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