Full Notification

...ANOTHER PERIOD OF SNOW FOR THE CENTRAL AND NORTHERN PANHANDLE THIS WEEKEND... .Confidence is increasing on seeing a more significant round of snow this weekend as cold temperatures aloft remain in place and another round of moisture moves in. There remains some uncertainty for snow accumulations at the surface as Saturday afternoon temperatures at sea level are reaching into the mid 30s to around 40 due to increasing daylight and sun angle. However, temperatures aloft are still very favorable for accumulating snow amounts. If the heavier precipitation rates are significant enough to overcome the warmer surface temperatures, snow accumulations will be greater. But if the temperatures are able to overcome the precipitation rates, snowfall will be limited as it melts by the time it reaches the surface. This will need to be monitored for any changes in potential snow accumulation. The orientation of the low and where the showers move into the panhandle will also impact the snow amounts, with how northward and inland the heavier moisture will push and how organized the bands of snow are expected to be when moving through this weekend. Highest snow rates are expected Saturday morning before warmer temperatures in the afternoon begin to limit snow accumulation.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait, City and Borough of Sitka and Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 7 PM AKDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest snow rates will be in the morning. Temperatures warming in the afternoon into the mid 30s may likely lead to lower snow totals.

* AFFECTED AREAS: CAPE FAIRWEATHER TO LISIANSKI STRAIT ... CITY AND BOROUGH OF SITKA ... WESTERN KUPREANOF AND KUIU ISLAND

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.