Weather Alert in Alaska
Winter Storm Watch issued March 20 at 4:03AM AKDT until March 21 at 7:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
AREAS AFFECTED: Glacier Bay; Eastern Chichagof Island; City and Borough of Sitka
DESCRIPTION: ...SNOW SHOWERS ON FRIDAY REPLACED BY ADVANCING SYSTEM SATURDAY... .Confidence is increasing on seeing a more significant round of snow this weekend as cold temperatures aloft remain in place and another round of moisture move in. There remains some uncertainty for snow accumulations at the surface as we are starting to see warmer day time temperatures into the mid to high 30s to around 40 due to increasing daylight and sun angle, however, temperatures aloft are still very favorable for accumulating snow amounts. If the heavier precipitation rates are significant enough to overcome the warmer surface temperatures, snow accumulations will be greater. But if the temperatures are able to overcome the precipitation rates, snowfall will be limited as it melts by the time it reaches the surface. This will need to be monitored for any changes in potential snow accumulation. The orientation of the low and where the showers move into the panhandle will also impact the snow amounts, with how northward and inland the heavier moisture will push and how organized the bands of snow are expected to be when moving through this weekend. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches through Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph. Visibilities reduced to one mile or less. * WHERE...Gustavus, Sitka, Hoonah, and Tenakee Springs. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 7 PM AKDT this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late tonight through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall accumulation will be variable, and rates may diminish during the daytime hours as warming surface level temperatures slow snow accumulation.
INSTRUCTION: Slow down and use caution while traveling. 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 Fractus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Fractus Clouds
Next Topic: Freezing Rain
A fractus cloud (scud) is a fragmented, tattered cloud which has
likely been sheared off of another cloud. They are accessory clouds, meaning they
develop from parent clouds, and are named in a way which describes the original
cloud which contained them.
Fractus clouds which have originated from cumulus clouds are referred to as
cumulus fractus, while fractus clouds which have originated from stratus clouds
are referred to as stratus fractus. Under certain conditions a fractus cloud might
merge with another cloud, or develop into a cumulus cloud, but usually a
fractus cloud seen by itself will dissipate rapidly.
They are often observed on the leading and trailing edges of storm clouds,
and are a display of wind activity.
Next Topic: Freezing Rain
Weather Topic: What is Graupel?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Graupel
Next Topic: Hail
Graupel is a form of precipitation that is created by atmospheric conditions
which cause supercooled water droplets to contact snow crystals and freeze to
their surface.
Sometimes known as soft hail or snow pellets, graupel is delicate and easily
destroyed by touch. Whereas hail usually falls during severe weather, graupel
doesn't require such conditions to form, and can form in mild precipitation
similar to situations which produce snowfall.
Next Topic: Hail
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