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Alaska braces for heavy snowfall as winter storm watch is issued

Jun 6, 2026, 4:46 PM10
(Update: Jun 6, 2026, 4:46 PM)
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Alaska braces for heavy snowfall as winter storm watch is issued

  • A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Alaska's Central Brooks Range, predicting 6 to 12 inches of snow.
  • Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are in effect for Northern California and southern Oregon, with temperatures dropping to 22°F.
  • Residents are urged to take precautions to protect crops and sensitive vegetation from freezing temperatures.
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This weekend, wintery weather is expected to impact parts of the western and northern United States, particularly Alaska. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Central Brooks Range, effective from Saturday evening through Monday evening. Forecasters predict moderate to heavy snowfall, with accumulations ranging from 6 to 12 inches, and potentially higher amounts in elevated areas. Wind gusts may reach up to 30 mph, creating hazardous conditions along the Dalton Highway corridor, especially at Atigun Pass, where visibility could be significantly reduced due to blowing snow. In addition to Alaska, a Freeze Warning and Frost Advisory are in effect for Northern California and southern Oregon. These advisories are set to last from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. PDT on Sunday, with temperatures in the Klamath Basin and Winter Rim areas potentially dropping as low as 22°F. Communities such as Crescent, Chemult, and Chiloquin are among those affected. The National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned that these freezing temperatures could damage crops and sensitive vegetation, urging residents to take protective measures. Furthermore, a Frost Advisory has been issued for parts of northeastern Washington and northern Idaho from 10 p.m. Saturday through 11 a.m. Sunday. Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall between 29°F and 36°F, posing a risk to outdoor vegetation. Areas including Winthrop, Twisp, and Omak are included in this advisory, and residents are advised to safeguard their plants against potential frost damage. The unusual weather patterns are attributed to a strong Arctic trough moving across the North Slope and Brooks Range, which is expected to bring widespread snow to northern Alaska. The Central Brooks Range, which extends into Canada’s Yukon Territory, is known for its high elevation and Arctic location, allowing for snow accumulation even during summer months. This weekend's weather events highlight the significant impact of seasonal changes and the need for residents to remain vigilant in protecting their properties and crops from the harsh conditions.

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