A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, blowing snow and powerful winds to parts of Alaska from Monday, November 9, into Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for several areas, including Thompson Pass, Turnagain Pass, Whittier, Seward, Girdwood, Portage, Hope and parts of the Haines Highway.
Forecast conditions include snowfall totals of up to 12 inches in higher-elevation areas and wind gusts between 55 and 70 mph in parts of eastern Turnagain Arm.
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Where the winter storm could be strongest
Thompson Pass is under a winter storm watch from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon, with 6 to 12 inches of snow possible.
The Anchorage forecast office says blizzard conditions may develop at the pass, with wind gusts reaching 45 mph and visibility falling to one-quarter mile or less in blowing snow.
Forecasters expect one period of light to moderate snow Monday morning, followed by a second, heavier round from Monday evening into Tuesday morning.
The Ernestine area, including Tonsina and 46 Mile, could receive between 3 and 12 inches of snow, along with a light glaze to a few hundredths of an inch of ice.
That combination of snow, freezing rain and reduced visibility could make travel difficult, particularly along mountain routes.
Strong winds expected near Whittier and Turnagain Arm
A separate winter storm watch covers eastern Turnagain Arm, Turnagain Pass, the southern Kenai Mountains and western Prince William Sound.
Snowfall totals in the region could range from 3 to 7 inches around Whittier, Girdwood and parts of the Seward area, while 5 to 10 inches is possible from Turnagain Pass to Tern Lake.
Eastern Turnagain Arm could see easterly winds between 55 and 70 mph, with the strongest gusts expected Tuesday morning.
The weather service warns that winds of that strength may damage trees and power lines, while heavy snow and blowing snow could create hazardous driving conditions.
Some local forecasts for the Whittier area also call for gusts as high as 75 mph Monday afternoon, although the broader watch highlights a possible range of 55 to 70 mph.
Travel could become difficult
The storm is expected to affect several highways and mountain passes used by residents, commercial vehicles and visitors travelling through southern Alaska.
Officials are warning that visibility may fall sharply when snow is picked up by strong winds.
Drivers travelling through affected areas should check current road conditions before leaving, carry emergency supplies and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Travellers should also watch for updates because a winter storm watch means hazardous conditions are possible, but the final timing and intensity may still change.
- Heavy snow could reduce traction and visibility.
- Blowing snow may create whiteout conditions near mountain passes.
- Freezing rain could make roads and bridges icy.
- Strong winds may bring down branches or disrupt power service.
Warnings may change as the storm approaches
The National Weather Service has already upgraded some areas near the Haines Highway from a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning, while other locations have been placed under winter weather advisories.
Near Haines, higher elevations are expected to receive snow as a strong system moves through Sunday night and Monday.
Skagway and White Pass are under a separate advisory for possible snowfall of 5 to 8 inches near the Klondike Highway, with blowing snow potentially reducing visibility.
Residents and travellers should rely on the latest local forecasts rather than earlier projections, particularly because the storm includes several types of precipitation and conditions vary considerably by elevation.
The main impacts are expected to continue through Tuesday afternoon in parts of south-central Alaska, while some areas near Haines and Skagway could see hazardous conditions end sooner on Monday.
For now, the most serious risks are heavy snow at higher elevations, strong winds near coastal inlets and passes, and difficult travel during the Monday evening and Tuesday morning periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Alaska winter storm expected?
The main storm threat is expected from Monday morning, November 9, through Tuesday afternoon, November 10, 2026, depending on location.
How much snow could fall?
Some higher-elevation areas, including Thompson Pass and parts of the Haines Highway region, could receive up to 12 inches of snow.
Where could winds reach 70 mph?
Eastern Turnagain Arm could see easterly wind gusts between 55 and 70 mph, with the strongest winds possible Tuesday morning.
Could travel be affected?
Yes. Heavy snow, blowing snow, freezing rain and sharply reduced visibility could make travel difficult, especially near mountain passes.
What should travellers do?
Check the latest National Weather Service and Alaska road-condition updates, delay unnecessary travel when conditions deteriorate and carry emergency supplies if travel is essential.
Fact-Checked: Key snowfall, wind, timing and affected-area details were checked against National Weather Service watch and warning information issued for Alaska. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ajk&wwa=all&utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Forecast amounts, wind speeds and storm timing may change as the system develops, so readers should consult the latest local alerts before travelling.