Alaska is preparing for a winter storm with up to 6 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Fairbanks.
Why it matters: The storm poses serious risks for travelers in the Central Brooks Range, particularly on the Dalton Highway and Atigun Pass. Conditions are expected to worsen, making travel hazardous.
NWS Fairbanks has issued a winter weather advisory that runs until 4 p.m. AKDT Saturday for the Central Brooks Range, covering Anaktuvuk Pass, Galbraith Lake, Atigun Pass, and the Dalton Highway from Mile Post 232 to Mile Post 322.
The advisory was first issued at 11:13 a.m. AKDT Thursday and updated Friday morning to specify that snow accumulation will occur primarily at or above pass level.
Visibility in the advisory area could be reduced to half a mile or less due to blowing snow, with gusts expected to reach 30 mph.
Driving the news: The storm is being driven by a low-pressure system moving northeast from the Bering Sea. This system is expected to bring widespread rain and snow across northern Alaska.
Wind gusts of 70 mph are forecasted for the Richardson Highway and 65 mph on the Parks Highway, peaking between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. AKDT on Friday.
Conditions are particularly severe near Atigun Pass, which is expected to receive the highest snowfall, with temperatures hovering in the upper 20s.
The advisory covers a narrow band of snow, with rain expected at lower elevations, complicating travel for those moving through different weather zones.
State of play: As of Friday morning, the NWS Fairbanks updated its forecast to indicate that the worst conditions are expected at Atigun Pass, which sits at 4,739 feet.
Temperatures at Atigun Pass are projected to remain in the upper 20s, contrasting sharply with warmer conditions at lower elevations where rain is predicted.
Travelers on the Dalton Highway can expect to encounter wet pavement that may freeze unexpectedly, creating dangerous driving conditions.
Road crews are actively working in the advisory area, and drivers are advised to check conditions via 511 Alaska for updates.
The big picture: This winter weather advisory marks the second such warning issued for the region within a week, highlighting a potential early onset of winter conditions.
The advisory follows a special weather statement issued on August 25, which predicted one to two inches of snow earlier this week.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicates a 69 percent chance of a strong El Niño this winter, which may lead to similar rain-and-refreeze cycles across various mountain passes.
The changing weather patterns may signal broader trends affecting winter conditions in Alaska and beyond.
What they're saying: Officials are urging caution for all travelers planning to traverse affected areas during the advisory period.
"Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles," the NWS Fairbanks warned in its advisory.
Travelers have been advised to slow down and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
"This is a serious situation for anyone traveling through the Central Brooks Range this weekend," said Adam Lynton, Managing Editor at Autoblog.
By the numbers: Here are key figures related to the storm:
Up to 6 inches of snow expected in the Central Brooks Range.
Wind gusts forecasted to reach 70 mph on the Richardson Highway and 65 mph on the Parks Highway.
Advisory effective from 11:13 a.m. AKDT Thursday until 4 p.m. AKDT Saturday.
Snow levels are expected to rise from 2,500 feet to near 4,000 feet by Friday afternoon.
What's next: Travelers are advised to monitor updates and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions as the storm progresses.
Conditions will likely deteriorate overnight Friday into Saturday, with continued snowfall and high winds expected.
Drivers should remain vigilant and equipped for winter conditions, as road conditions can change rapidly.
Expect additional advisories or updates from NWS Fairbanks as the situation develops.