Winter storm watch issued for Tuesday and Wednesday

Published 9:30 pm Sunday, February 26, 2023

A winter storm watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Monday, warning of widespread snow across the western Kenai Peninsula, in effect from 6:00 a.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday. The watch is in effect for the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer and Cooper Landing.

The watch warns of heavy snow and blowing winds, with accumulations of six to 12 inches and “higher amounts possible.” Winds are expected to gust as high as 20 or 30 mph and may produce whiteout conditions, according to the watch.

The watch says that travel could be very difficult during the storm — especially in the Sterling Highway corridor from Homer and Soldotna and northward around Kenai and Nikiski, where the heaviest snow is expected. The most snow is expected to fall Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

“There is uncertainty in when the snow will end,” the release says.

For the most recent information about the winter storm and other forecasts, visit weather.gov/afc. For information about travel and road conditions, visit 511.alaska.gov.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/peninsulaclarion.