Winter Storm Warning Issued for Prince of Wales Island: Heavy Snow and 60 MPH Gusts Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Prince of Wales Island. This alert, classified as severe, indicates that heavy snowfall and high winds are likely to create hazardous conditions across the region.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic area affected is Prince of Wales Island. The NWS notes that the highest snowfall accumulations are expected along interior roadways within the island.

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to prepare their property before the onset of the winter weather. If travel is unavoidable, the NWS recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, residents should call 5-1-1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

Expected Conditions

• Snow Accumulation: Total snowfall of 4 to 8 inches is expected. The heaviest snowfall rates are forecast to arrive Sunday morning.
• Wind Speeds: Winds are expected to gust as high as 60 mph.
• Transition: Conditions are expected to transition to a rain/snow mix or potentially all rain by Sunday evening as temperatures rise into the upper 30s to low 40s.
• Impacts: Travelers should plan for slippery road conditions and potential visibility issues.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning is effective starting at 4:00 AM AKDT on Sunday, March 15. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 1:00 PM AKDT on Monday, March 16.