…ACCUMULATING SNOW FOR HIGHWAYS IN THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE…
.A front moving up from the south Thursday night into Friday is
expected to bring heavy precipitation. Ahead of the front,
northernly winds look to pull cold air from Canada into the
northern panhandle, which would lower snow levels and temps. But
as the front tracks northward, warm, southerly air looks to
increase snow levels to around 1500 ft. Moderate to heavy snow is
likely, before the warmer air moves in and allows rain to mix in.
* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8
inches.
* WHERE…Haines Borough and Klukwan, from near mile marker 20 to
the border.
* WHEN…From 9 PM Thursday to noon AKST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…For the Haines Highway, light snow will
begin Thursday evening with the heavier snow mainly after 9 PM.
Average snowfall rates will be up to 0.5 to 1 inch per hour with
rates exceeding 1 inch per hour and visibilities reduced to 1
statue mile or less at times. Light to moderate snow will
linger into Friday afternoon with rain mixing in at times. For
areas near sea level, including Haines, a rain/snow mix is
likely into Friday afternoon before transitioning to rain late
Friday afternoon.