Weather Alert in Alaska

Recent Locations: Temple, NH Onondaga, MI Huslia, AK

Winter Storm Warning issued February 28 at 5:49AM AKST until February 28 at 11:00PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

AREAS AFFECTED: Petersburg Borough; City and Borough of Wrangell

DESCRIPTION: ...CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PANHANDLE SNOW SATURDAY WITH POTENTIAL FOR MORE SNOW SUNDAY... Snowfall has increased in intensity and coverage overnight as a low tracks eastward across the Gulf towards the central panhandle. An estimated 2 to 4 inches has fallen overnight, these accumulations are separate from the next system set to affect the area through Saturday. Steady snowfall will continue through Saturday morning with rates increasing through the afternoon. Heaviest snowfall rates are expected to start by mid day along the coast, spreading eastward towards Hyder through Saturday night. As the low center tracks eastward through Saturday afternoon and evening, south to southwest wind will cause temperatures to warm over the southern outer coast with a mix or change to rain. Snow will then end on the NW side of the low, from Sitka to Juneau northward. Moisture will decrease overnight Saturday across the south, but then redevelop on Sunday as another system moves in. The rain/snow line will likely hover in vicinity of Sumner Strait Sunday into Monday with potential additional heavy snow for the Petersburg and Wrangell areas and lighter snow northward. A separate low pressure system looks to affect the region on Tuesday with potential for snow to push northward again. * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible. * WHERE...Petersburg Borough and City and Borough of Wrangell. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 6 AM to 11 PM AKST Saturday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snowfall rates on Saturday will be in the late afternoon and early evening.

INSTRUCTION: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water with you in case of an emergency. Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. People are urged to prepare their property before the onset of winter weather. For the latest road conditions, where available, call 5 1 1 or visit 511.alaska.gov.

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Weather Topic: What are Cirrus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrus Clouds

Next Topic: Condensation

Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds that occur above 20,000 feet and are composed mainly of ice crystals. They are thin and wispy in appearance.

What do they indicate?
They are often the first sign of an approaching storm.

Next Topic: Condensation

Weather Topic: What are Contrails?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Contrails

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds

A contrail is an artificial cloud, created by the passing of an aircraft.

Contrails form because water vapor in the exhaust of aircraft engines is suspended in the air under certain temperatures and humidity conditions. These contrails are called exhaust contrails.

Another type of contrail can form due to a temporary reduction in air pressure moving over the plane's surface, causing condensation. These are called aerodynamic contrails.

When you can see your breath on a cold day, it is also because of condensation. The reason contrails last longer than the condensation from your breath is because the water in contrails freezes into ice particles.

Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds