Weather Alert in Alaska

Recent Locations: Indian Head, MD Huslia, AK

Winter Weather Advisory issued February 28 at 1:51PM AKST until February 28 at 6:00PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

AREAS AFFECTED: City and Borough of Sitka

DESCRIPTION: ...CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PANHANDLE SNOW SATURDAY WITH POTENTIAL FOR MORE SNOW SUNDAY... Steady snowfall continues across a majority of the panhandle and will continue to pick up as the low moves into the eastern gulf through Saturday afternoon. Later in the afternoon and evening, south to southwest wind are expected to cause temperatures to warm over the southern outer coast with precipitation becoming a mix or changing to all rain. Around the same time, snow will end on the NW side of the low, from Sitka to Juneau and northward. Moisture will decrease overnight Saturday across the south, but then redevelop on Sunday as another system moves in. The rain/snow line will likely hover in vicinity of Sumner Strait Sunday into Monday with additional heavy snow expected for the Petersburg and Wrangell areas and lighter snow northward. A separate low pressure system looks to affect the region on Tuesday with potential for snow to push northward once again. * WHAT...For the first Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the second Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 7 inches. * WHERE...City and Borough of Sitka. * WHEN...For the first Winter Weather Advisory, until 6 PM AKST this evening. For the second Winter Weather Advisory, from noon Sunday to 9 AM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snowfall rates expected Saturday mid day. Mixing with rain is likely later this afternoon once rates begin decreasing. After a lull overnight Saturday into Sunday, another band of snow is expected to develop and push northward by Sunday afternoon.

INSTRUCTION: Slow down and use caution while traveling. People are urged to prepare their property before the onset of winter weather. For the latest road conditions, where available, call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

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Weather Topic: What are Fractus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Fractus Clouds

Fractus Clouds Next Topic: Freezing Rain

A fractus cloud (scud) is a fragmented, tattered cloud which has likely been sheared off of another cloud. They are accessory clouds, meaning they develop from parent clouds, and are named in a way which describes the original cloud which contained them.

Fractus clouds which have originated from cumulus clouds are referred to as cumulus fractus, while fractus clouds which have originated from stratus clouds are referred to as stratus fractus. Under certain conditions a fractus cloud might merge with another cloud, or develop into a cumulus cloud, but usually a fractus cloud seen by itself will dissipate rapidly.

They are often observed on the leading and trailing edges of storm clouds, and are a display of wind activity.

Next Topic: Freezing Rain

Weather Topic: What is Graupel?

Home - Education - Precipitation - Graupel

Graupel Next Topic: Hail

Graupel is a form of precipitation that is created by atmospheric conditions which cause supercooled water droplets to contact snow crystals and freeze to their surface.

Sometimes known as soft hail or snow pellets, graupel is delicate and easily destroyed by touch. Whereas hail usually falls during severe weather, graupel doesn't require such conditions to form, and can form in mild precipitation similar to situations which produce snowfall.

Next Topic: Hail