Full Notification

...SNOW FOR THE PANHANDLE OVER THE WEEKEND... .A long duration snow event is ongoing across the panhandle this weekend with two rounds of snowfall expected. The first round is bringing snow to the central panhandle as of Saturday afternoon with the changeover to primarily rain across the southern panhandle as winds have turned southerly behind the front. For the Wrangell, Petersburg, and Kake areas the snow will last into Saturday evening. This snow will fade out Saturday night, leaving a lull in the snow late Saturday night. For Sunday, a second round of snow is expected, bringing moderate to heavy snow to the central panhandle, from the Sumner Strait area to the Icy Strait corridor area, including Juneau.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches over 24 hours. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait and City and Borough of Sitka.

* WHEN...From 9 AM Sunday to 6 AM AKST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Two rounds of snow are likely this weekend over SE AK. The first round of snowfall is ongoing across the area with snowfall reported at Sitka. The second round of heavier snowfall is expected to impact the panhandle by Sunday morning. Main forecast challenge is moisture availability and a warming temperatures, which could limit snowfall totals.

* AFFECTED AREAS: CAPE FAIRWEATHER TO LISIANSKI STRAIT ... CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA

Instructions:

Slow down and use caution while traveling. People are urged to prepare their property before the onset of winter weather. For the latest road conditions, where available, call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.