I wrote yesterday about the impending storm. It does not look as strong as models indicated it would be yesterday but it is still going to pack quite a punch. Here is a time line for southern portions of the state through Friday.
Today-Tonight: A rapidly developing low moves east and northeast toward Kodiak Island out of the North Pacific. Central pressure will drop to 956 mb overnight. Very strong winds intensify around the low center. Gusts up to 60 mph in the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak become likely. Snow becomes widespread toward tomorrow morning along the state's southern coastline. Highs in the teens and 20s.
Wed.-Wed night: The low strengthens to 950 mb. Strong winds spread into the Panhandle and heavy rain increases throughout the day. In Southcentral, blizzard conditions develop in PWS and the eastern Kenai Peninsula. Periods of heavy rain and snow and hurricane force winds through channeled terrain, like Portage and Turnagain Arm, will remain into Thursday morning. Strong winds and periods of snow on the backside of the low persist in Southwest. The Alaska Peninsula sees blizzard conditions into the afternoon, then colder air, lighter winds, and waning snow showers through the overnight. Highs rocket into the 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Thurs.-Thurs night: Low moves on land and weakens. Blizzard warnings should be allowed to expire. As the winds decrease, snow, possibly starting out as rain or a rain-snow mix, becomes likely in the Cook Inlet region. Temperatures cool in the 20s through the afternoon. Rain continues in PWS and the Panhandle. Scattered snow showers hang on in Southwest as temperatures drop. Highs 30s and 40s to the east and teens and 20s to the west. Chinook winds could cause temps to spike into the upper 30s and 40s in Anchorage.
Friday: Cooler air filters in and rain and snow showers diminish near Cook Inlet toward evening. Warmer air and another storm in the southern Bering brings an increase of temperatures and snow activity to Southwest.
Warmer air is headed for all of the Interior this weekend. Snow returns to western and north Alaska, as well. Warmer and unsettled days are coming.
Take precautions against the very strong winds and heavy precipitation now!
