Winter Storm Watch , Alaska | Effective 03/20/2026 12:51

...SNOW SHOWERS ON FRIDAY REPLACED BY ADVANCING SYSTEM SATURDAY... .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 we are starting to see warmer day time temperatures into the mid to high 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. * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Visibilities reduced to one mile or less. * WHERE...Glacier Bay, Eastern Chichagof Island, Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait and City and Borough of Sitka. * WHEN...From late tonight through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall accumulation will be variable, and rates may diminish during the daytime hours as warming surface level temperatures slow snow accumulation.