A series of messages from the National Weather Service on Thursday warn of significant snowfall and heavy winds throughout the Kenai Peninsula tonight. The worst conditions are forecast in Nikiski and Turnagain Pass, where several inches of snow and high wind gusts are projected.
A Winter Weather Advisory posted close to noon says that around 3 to 6 inches of snow and gusts as high as 35 miles per hour are expected from 5 p.m. Thursday through 3 a.m. Friday from Nikiski to Anchor Point.
“Most impactful conditions expected near Nikiski, where visibility lower than one half mile is possible,” the advisory reads. “Strongest winds expected before midnight tonight.”
That advisory replaced a special weather statement published for the same area at 5 a.m. that says significant snowfall may also be seen near Anchor Point.
Another weather statement, for the eastern peninsula, describes similar heavy gusts of wind — up to 30 miles per hour in the Turnagain Pass — and 3 to 6 inches of snow. That statement says it includes the cities of Seward and Moose Pass.
Around the peninsula, winds are expected to diminish Friday morning, but light snowfall might continue through the evening.
The service recommends slowed, cautious travel tonight.
For updated weather forecasts, visit weather.gov/afc.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
