As more snow pummeled the central peninsula Tuesday, another half-foot was predicted through noon on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service out of Anchorage on Tuesday issued a corrected winter weather advisory for the western Kenai Peninsula including the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer and Cooper Landing.
The advisory, in effect until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, warned of between 6 and 12 inches of snow, poor visibility and north winds gusting up to 30 mph. More snow is possible in some communities.
“Travel could be very difficult, especially along the Sterling Highway corridor from Homer to Soldotna and northward to Kenai and Nikiski,” the alert says.
Also on Tuesday morning, NWS issued a separate corrected urgent blizzard warning for the eastern peninsula through 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The alert forecast between 6 and 10 inches of snow from the Hope cutoff to Seward, as well as between 10 and 18 inches of snow for Whittier, Portage and Turnagain Pass. Reduced visibility and winds between 40 and 45 miles per hour were also forecast for the area.
Expected or occurring severe winter weather conditions trigger a blizzard warning, the agency said, adding that falling and blowing snow is likely. Resulting whiteout conditions can make travel “very hazardous,” the alert said.
“If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you,” the blizzard warning says. “If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”
Up-to-date weather information can be found on the National Weather Service website at forecast.weather.gov. Live travel conditions can be found at 511.alaska.gov.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
