Up to 12 inches of snow could blast parts of Michigan and Alaska overnight Sunday, throughout Monday, and into Tuesday—with some areas in Alaska seeing continued snowfall into Wednesday afternoon—according to winter storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
Why It Matters
The NWS has warned drivers in impacted areas that “travel could be very difficult to impossible,” particularly during morning and evening commutes. It has also cautioned residents in badly affected parts of Alaska that “significant ice accumulations” will likely make roads, paths, and walkways “slick and hazardous,” and may cause power outages.
What To Know
In Michigan, Muskegon and Oceana Counties should brace themselves for between 6 to 12 inches of snow, and Mason County between 4 and 8 inches from noon on Monday through to Tuesday morning.
The lower Yukon River, the lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys, the north slopes of the western Alaska Range, the upper Kuskokwim Valley, and the Yukon Delta Coast in Alaska could get between 4 and 10 inches of snow overnight Sunday through to Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to the heavy snowfall, ice accumulations of between 0.1 and 0.2 inches and winds as high as 40 mph are also expected, which could create blizzard-like conditions—reducing visibility and making travel conditions difficult—and make outdoor surfaces slippery and dangerous.
The snowfall and ice are expected to fall in two phases: The first phase will hit on Sunday and continue through Monday, and is likely to bring up to 3 inches of snow and less than 0.1 inches of ice. The second will begin Monday night and last until Wednesday, and is likely to deliver up to 7 inches and between 0.1 and 0.15 inches of ice.
According to the NWS, “Whether it be exposure to the cold, vehicle accidents caused by slick roads, or fires resulting from the improper use of heaters, hundreds of people are injured or killed each year as a direct result of winter weather,” so residents and drivers in affected areas are urged to take steps to prepare for this latest winter storm.
This “Winter Preparedness Checklist,” produced by the NWS, should help people get ready for extreme wintry conditions, as we step further into the cold season.
What People Are Saying
The NWS for Michigan said: “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
The NWS for Alaska said: “The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.”
What Happens Next
People in impacted areas across both states are advised to monitor local weather forecasts for updates, as conditions could change rapidly.
