URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
449 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

Western Prince William Sound-
Including the cities of Whittier, Seward, Girdwood, and Moose Pass
449 AM AKST Sun Dec 20 2020

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING NORTH OF SEWARD...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 85 mph.

* WHERE...Along the Seward Highway north of Seward, including Moose Pass, Turnagain Pass, and Portage Valley.

* WHEN...From Monday evening through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could become impossible. Widespread blowing snow could cause frequent sustained whiteout conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Very heavy snow falling at rates of up to 3 inches per hour combined with winds of 40 to 60 mph with gusts to 85 mph could cause whiteout conditions, making travel impossible. The worst conditions are expected Monday night through Tuesday morning. The snow will change over to rain on Tuesday through Portage Valley, ending the blizzard threat. However, blizzard conditions will persist through Turnagain Pass and south along the Seward Highway into Tuesday evening. The greatest snowfall totals will be through Turnagain Pass, while storm total snow in Moose Pass and in Portage Valley before the changeover to rain will be closer to 2 feet. Refer to the High Wind Watch for additional details on the potential for high winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

... A Winter Storm Watch for blizzard conditions means there is a potential for falling and/or blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities. This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very hazardous.
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