Copyright Newsweek
Alaska’s Klondike Highway is expected to see up to 17 inches of snow and hazardous travel conditions from overnight Wednesday to Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), which has issued a weather warning, urging residents and travelers to prepare for severe conditions and possible disruptions. Why It Matters Anticipated moderate to heavy snowfall across the Klondike Highway is expected to make travel “very difficult”, particularly over the White Pass and areas above 2,000 ft, and the National Weather Service has discouraged people from traveling unless it’s an emergency. What To Know The NWS is expecting between 12 and 17 inches of snow to fall over the Klondike Highway as a front moves in over Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. The heaviest fall occurs overnight on Wednesday—likely over the higher areas—where travelers could see up to 1 inch of snowfall per hour. This is expected to turn into a wintry mix of rain and light snow late on Thursday morning, which will continue into the afternoon, and possibly even into the evening. The NWS advises drivers to use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable: Drive slowly, allow extra time to reach your destination, and tell friends or family your intended route and expected time of arrival. Stock vehicles with emergency supplies, including non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, additional warm clothes, and blankets. Be prepared for sudden changes in road and weather conditions, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and mountain sections. Choose a route with the least number of trees and power lines, as the weight of ice or heavy snow could cause them to snap and fall. Check road conditions before you depart and monitor the local weather alerts. What People Are Saying The NWS has said: “Travel will be very difficult and is discouraged unless it is an emergency.” The NWS Juneau office has issued the following update on X: “The Winter Storm Watch for the Klondike Highway has been updated to a Winter Storm Warning.” What Happens Next Residents and travelers should remain alert as conditions could change rapidly, and communities should prepare for the possibility of road closures, delays in emergency response, and interruptions to power.
