Warning Issued for Alaska and Washington Due to Heavy Snowfall and Strong Winds

Weather warnings for heavy snowfall in Alaska and Washington

Dangerous winds

Difficult travel conditions

A powerful winter storm has placed large areas of the United States under warning, with forecasts calling for up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) of snow accompanied by strong winds.

The system, active since Monday night, is expected to persist through Wednesday and create severe disruptions to mobility and daily activities.

The National Weather Service warned that travel could become extremely dangerous, especially in mountainous and rural areas.

According to Newsweek, authorities urged the public to stay informed and limit travel to strictly necessary situations as winter storm warnings in the US continue to expand.

Alaska Faces Snow and Dangerous Gusts Amid Weather Warnings

Winter storm warnings in the US-Photo: Shutterstock

In Alaska, several communities are preparing for a period of persistent snowfall and strong winds that will last through Tuesday.

Locations such as Hyder, Juneau, and areas east of Chichagof Island could record moderate snow accumulation combined with wind gusts of up to 64 kilometers per hour (40 mph).

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Other regions in the southeastern part of the state, including Sitka and Petersburg, are also expecting significant snowfall along with sustained winds.

In the north, the Arctic plains and the Brooks Range could experience light snowfall, but winds are expected to reduce visibility and complicate travel.

Washington Activates Weather Alerts in Mountain Areas

Washington state is another region heavily affected by this winter system, particularly in mountain passes.

In areas such as Stevens Pass, Stehekin, and Holden Village, snowfall is expected to significantly reduce visibility through Wednesday night.

The northern Cascades could accumulate between 25 and 45 centimeters (10 to 18 inches) of snow, with wind gusts exceeding 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph).

Authorities warn that higher elevations will receive even greater snowfall totals, increasing the risk of road closures amid ongoing winter storm warnings in the US.

Impact on Roads and Daily Life

The southern Cascades of Washington are also preparing for several centimeters of snow, especially at elevations above 3,000 feet.

Eastern parts of the state, as well as the Olympic region and counties such as Pierce, Lewis, and King, could face similar conditions.

Strong winds combined with accumulated snow increase the likelihood of whiteout conditions and loss of orientation on roadways.

This could lead to delays, cancellations, and temporary closures of key routes essential for regional transportation.

Recommendations and What’s Next

The National Weather Service reiterated that traveling during the storm is not recommended except in emergencies.

It also emphasized the importance of having a winter driving emergency kit with basic safety supplies.

Authorities urge residents to follow local forecasts closely, as the winter pattern could continue with additional episodes of snow and wind.

Meanwhile, millions of people across the Pacific Northwest remain on alert as winter continues to show its harshest side, Newsweek reported, reinforcing the seriousness of current winter storm warnings in the US.