First Alert Weather Day: Heavy Snow in Southcentral Alaska
Today's weather forecast from Alaska's Weather Source predicts the first significant snowfall of the season will hit Southcentral Alaska later Thursday, bringing measurable snow accumulations.
Snow Arrival and Affected Areas
The morning commute should remain dry across most areas, but snow is expected to reach the Kenai Peninsula by mid-morning to early afternoon. The snow will then move northward into Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley during the afternoon and evening.
Snowfall and Winds
An area of low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska is driving this weather event, generating heavy snow particularly over Southcentral along with gusty winds in gaps and mountain passes.
Light snow already falls in the Copper River Basin, and the snowfall will gradually spread through Southcentral—except for the far northern Susitna Valley regions.
Winter Weather Advisories
- Kenai Peninsula: 4 to 8 inches of snow expected
- Thompson Pass: Up to 9 inches predicted
While the heaviest snow is forecast for the Kenai, Turnagain Pass extending to Moose Pass is likely to receive the highest snowfall amounts within the region.
Outlook for the Weekend
Though the most intense snow targets Southcentral, many parts of Alaska will continue to see some snowfall in the forecast through the weekend.
“An area of low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska will lead to our first significant snow across Southcentral, with gusty winds for the gaps and passes of Southcentral.”
Author's summary: Heavy snow is arriving in Southcentral Alaska Thursday, especially in the Kenai and mountain passes, marking the season's first significant accumulation with winds and ongoing weekend snowfall expected.