A robust low pressure center is spiraling into the northern Gulf of Alaska, bringing strong winds with it into the afternoon. Winds will reach 60 mph with higher gusts in the southern Panhandle and will likely top out near 50 mph around Palmer and west Anchorage. These strong winds will extend into the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island, where gusts may reach 45 mph. These winds will lower the wind chill to near zero at times through tonight in the Valley.
These winds will be from the north. As we look north and see what type of air mass will be advected into Southcentral due to the winds, we find a very dry and very cold one. Lows were below zero overnight and will only climb into the single digits for much of the Interior. This cold air mass will glide southward and remain over the Inlet region through tomorrow.
The wind threat re-emerges heading further north. Along the Arctic Slope, winds will gusts to 55 mph and lead to blizzard conditions and coastal flooding in spots. Visibilities will be reduced to zero due to blowing snow. Snowfall is also likely with 2 to 4 inches through tonight. Coastal Flood and Blizzard Warning are in effect for nearly all of the Arctic coast until tomorrow morning.
Heavy snow from 3-8 inches will fall from the southern Alcan into the eastern Copper River Basin (areas east of Glennallen). A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 4 pm.
A High Wind Warning is in effect for the southern Panhandle through this evening.
Rain and strong winds will hamper the western Aleutians later this morning.
