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Severe winter storms disrupt travel as 18 inches of snow hit Alaska and Washington

Dec 16, 2025, 5:25 AM10
(Update: Dec 16, 2025, 5:25 AM)
state of the United States of America
state of the United States of America

Severe winter storms disrupt travel as 18 inches of snow hit Alaska and Washington

  • Winter storm warnings have been issued for Alaska and Washington due to severe weather conditions.
  • Alaska is likely to see significant snowfall and high winds until Tuesday morning.
  • Residents are advised to avoid travel unless necessary, as conditions will make it very difficult.
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On December 15, 2025, parts of Alaska and Washington were significantly affected by severe winter storms that resulted in heavy snowfall and high winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings for both states, anticipating dangerous conditions that could disrupt outdoor activities and complicate travel. Particularly in Alaska, regions such as the City of Hyder, Chichagof Island, and Juneau were expected to see accumulations of up to seven inches of snow along with wind gusts reaching 40 miles per hour. Other areas in Alaska, like the City and Borough of Sitka and across the central Brooks Range, were also advised to brace for strong winds and additional snowfall amounts, leading to challenging travel conditions. Meanwhile, in Washington, places like Stevens Pass, Stehekin, and Holden Village faced between four to eight inches of snow, combined with wind gusts as strong as 50 miles per hour. The NWS forecasted that the Cascades region would experience between 10 to 18 inches of accumulated snow, particularly affecting higher elevations, with further snow expected to continue through the week. Emergency preparedness was emphasized for both states, with authorities urging residents to have winter emergency kits ready in vehicles and advising against travel unless absolutely necessary. Impacts from the storm were anticipated to significantly disrupt commuting patterns from both morning and evening travel, highlighting the need for caution during this extreme weather event. In summary, the storms not only threatened routine travel but posed risks to safety, requiring individuals in affected areas to remain vigilant and informed on local conditions and forecasts.

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