Significant snowfall has prompted a temporary closure of the Seward Highway from Portage south through Turnagain Pass, according to an update from the Alaska Department of Transportation.

At about 9:33 a.m., DOT issued a closure of the Seward Highway from mile 38 to mile 75, which stretches from Ingraham Creek just south of Portage to the intersection with the Sterling Highway. Plow operators are currently working to clear the area, according to the update.

Yesterday, the DOT stated that maintenance crews would be working on avalanche mitigation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, with delays of up to 45 minutes expected. DOT has not said when they expect the highway to be reopened.

At about 6 a.m. Thursday morning, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District issued a two-hour delayed start for schools in the eastern part of the Kenai Peninsula due to weather and road conditions.

The affected schools included Hope Elementary, Moose Pass Elementary, Seward Elementary, Seward High School and Seward Middle School.

Check Alaska 511 for the latest updates on road closures conditions.

Update at 4:09 p.m.: The Seward Highway was reopened shortly after 4 p.m.