dpUp to 15 inches of snow is forecast through Friday under a new winter storm warning from the National Weather Service. Forecasters expect rapidly accumulating snow and visibility of one quarter mile or less at times, which makes it harder for drivers to see other vehicles and to be seen by them.
Snow Totals And Timing
NWS Anchorage has the winter storm warning in effect from 5 p.m. ET Thursday to 6 p.m. ET Friday for the Northern Susitna Valley, including the Parks Highway corridor through Broad Pass, the Denali Highway and Chulitna. Total accumulation is forecast at 7 to 15 inches.
Light snow starts first, with 3 to 6 inches possible before the warning begins. Snowfall picks up during Thursday afternoon, and the heaviest snow falls Thursday night into Friday morning. On Friday afternoon temperatures are expected to rise above freezing, and the snow could mix with or change to rain before the warning ends.
The Parks Highway is the main road link between Anchorage and Fairbanks, and NWS Anchorage warns of low visibility and rapidly accumulating snow along it. The Denali Highway, also named in the warning, is a seasonal route that Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities maintained only through Oct. 1 this year.
Driving In Quarter-Mile Visibility
A quarter mile is about 1,320 feet, and in heavy snow that distance can shrink without warning as bands move through. Alaska DOT&PF’s winter guidance asks drivers to keep headlights on so others can see them, which matters on a two-lane highway where the main risk is a slower vehicle appearing late out of the snow. Daytime running lights on many cars leave the taillights off, so switching the headlights on manually is what lights up the rear of the vehicle.
DOT&PF also warns that snow removal equipment can create whiteout conditions for drivers following too closely, and it advises staying at least 200 feet back and not passing a plow on the right.
Snow Turning To Rain On Friday
On Friday afternoon, temperatures rising above freezing could turn the snow to rain, which could leave wet slush on top of the fresh snow. DOT&PF notes that stopping takes longer on wet or icy roads and that ice forms first on bridges and overpasses, even when the rest of the road looks clear.
NWS Anchorage points drivers to 511.alaska.gov or the 511 phone line for current road conditions, and recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.
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