Heavy snow is stretching across interior Alaska as a powerful winter storm moves inland from the western coastline, prompting a statewide Winter Storm Warning. The storm, which began Friday, is expected to dump up to a foot of snow in parts of the interior and western regions before easing Sunday night. Residents from Fairbanks to the White Mountains and as far west as the Seward Peninsula and Hooper Bay are under the warning, according to the Alaska News Source’s latest alert source.
The warning covers a broad swath of interior Alaska, including the major communities of Fairbanks, North Pole and the remote White Mountains region. The storm’s heaviest snowfall is forecast for the western interior, where accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are expected by Sunday night. An additional 2 to 4 inches of snow is projected for western Alaska and the interior on Sunday alone, according to the same report.
Temperatures are set to plunge dramatically as the system deepens. Forecasts call for lows ranging from **20 to 25 degrees below zero** with wind chills that could reach **40 to 50 degrees below zero**. Wind gusts are expected to top **40 mph** across western Alaska, while the Aleutian Chain may see gusts between **30 and 45 mph**. These wind‑chill and wind‑speed conditions raise the risk of frostbite and travel disruptions.
In addition to the interior, western Alaska is similarly under a Winter Storm Warning that remains in effect until Saturday night, extending from Kotzebue down the coastline to Hooper Bay. The warning cites the same snowfall totals and wind gust expectations, emphasizing that the storm will “unhurried down” Sunday afternoon but could bring another round of precipitation Monday.
Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage and surrounding communities, is experiencing a different set of impacts. Valentine’s Day brought a mix of slick roads, freezing rain, and moderate snowfall that coated highways. Forecasts for the coming week predict a return to partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies, albeit with colder temperatures.
Statewide Context: February Snowfall Outlook
While interior Alaska braces for this intense event, the broader state’s February outlook points to a relatively snowy month. The statewide forecast anticipates **13 snowy days** in February, with **5 snowy days** projected over the next two weeks, the nearest of which falls on Saturday, Feb. 14 source. Average temperatures for the month hover around **‑6.9 °F** at the start and drift to **‑10.9 °F** by month’s conclude, with a short‑term forecast of **‑11.3 °F** for the coming days.
What Residents Can Expect
Authorities advise residents in the warned areas to:
- Limit travel unless absolutely necessary; road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.
- Retain emergency kits stocked with food, water, blankets, and battery‑powered radios.
- Monitor local radio and official NWS updates for evolving wind‑chill advisories.
- Secure outdoor objects that could develop into projectiles in gusty winds.
School districts in the interior have already begun adjusting schedules, though specific closures were not detailed in the current alert. The focus remains on public safety as the storm proceeds.
Snow Accumulation Forecast
| Date | Region | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 14 (Sat) | Western Interior | 8‑12 |
| Feb 14 (Sat) | Western Alaska & Interior | 2‑4 |
| Feb 15 (Sun) | Interior (continued) | 2‑4 |
| Feb 16‑17 (Mon‑Tue) | Coastal & Aleutian Chain | Light snow / rain |
Looking Ahead
The next official update from the National Weather Service is scheduled for early Monday, when forecasters will assess whether additional warnings are needed as the storm’s remnants move eastward. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to NWS alerts and local news outlets for the latest information.
We welcome comments and experiences from those affected by the storm. Share your updates and stay safe.
