Dangerous winter travel conditions are likely to emerge in northern Alaska beginning Wednesday, as strong winds and blowing snow sweep into the Arctic Coast and Brooks Range, limiting visibility and creating hazardous road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, a winter storm watch is in effect for the Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast from Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph. Blowing and falling snow can restrict visibility to less than one-quarter mile at times, particularly in exposed coastal areas and open terrain.
Further south, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Central Arctic Plains, Central Beaufort Sea Coast, and Central Brooks Range, which includes the Dalton Highway from Atigun Pass to the Arctic Coast. Light snow and wind gusts up to 35 mph might reduce visibility to about a half mile from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning, making travel hazardous for high-profile cars and truck traffic.
Drivers on the Dalton Highway should prepare for slick terrain, abrupt whiteouts, and constantly changing visibility. Emergency officials urge postponing non-essential travel, carrying winter survival gear, and regularly monitoring road conditions.
Wind and snow impacts are forecast to continue through Thursday before gradually subsiding. As conditions in northern Alaska change, additional advisories or upgrades may be issued.
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