Station Name: Ketchikan
Data Source: NOAA Tides and Currents

Elevation Above Sea Level: 13 feet

Sensor Depth: -11 feet

Nearest Address:
1300 Stedman St
Ketchikan, AK 99901
Ketchikan Gateway County

GPS Coordinates: 55.331944, -131.626111

Nearby Water Temperatures

Hydrologic Outlook issued December 24 at 2:15PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Wed December 24, 2025, 2:15 PM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 4:00 PM

ESFAJK Southeast Alaska will experience a period of heavy snow before transitioning to heavy rain. An atmospheric river is expected to bring a prolonged period of moisture to the panhandle starting Saturday that will start as snow before transitioning to rain. For information on the expected snowfall amounts, please refer to the Winter Storm Watch. Snow levels are expected to start to rise Saturday evening from sea level up to around 6,000 ft in the southern panhandle from Angoon and Kake southward. Along with snow level, temperatures are expected to warm up to the low to mid 40s. For the Icy Strait corridor area, snow levels are expected to rise to around 4,000 ft starting early Sunday morning. Temperatures are also expected to warm into the mid to high 30s during this time. Current expected rainfall amounts for the Icy Strait corridor look to be around 1-2 inches while 3 to 5 inches of rainfall is possible for the southern panhandle through Monday evening. Stay tuned to the latest forecast, please visit weather.gov/juneau.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 3:26AM AKST until December 28 at 9:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 3:26 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 15 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Central and Southern Panhandle. * WHEN...From Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW and Baranof Island will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Kake, and Angoon will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain, with Wrangell and Petersburg potentially seeing the snow last longer into Saturday night and Sunday morning depending on the warming down to the surface. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 11:15AM AKST until December 28 at 9:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:15 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 15 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Central and Southern Panhandle. * WHEN...From Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW and Baranof Island will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Kake, and Angoon will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain, with Wrangell and Petersburg potentially seeing the snow last longer into Saturday night and Sunday morning depending on the warming down to the surface. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 3:26AM AKST until December 28 at 1:00PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 3:26 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 29 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Northern Panhandle including the Icy Strait corridor, and Hyder. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will begin for Yakutat late Friday night, before the heaviest snowfall moves into the panhandle beginning early Saturday morning. The frontal passage will bring moisture in over the cold airmass in place over the northern panhandle, keeping the northern panhandle cooler for longer into Sunday with moderate to heavy snow lasting throughout the day. Hyder will see snow begin a bit later into Saturday morning, with higher rates expected Saturday evening through Sunday of 4 to 6 inches in 6 hours and up to 20 inches in 24 hours. Highest rates for the northern half of the panhandle will be in the morning through the evening, with between 0.5 and 1.0 inches per hour possible and 24 hour totals between 12 and 20 inches. Warm air will begin to decrease the snow ratios, making the fluffy lighter snow early Saturday become heavier and wetter into the evening hours and Sunday morning. A transition to a wintry mix to rain over the central panhandle and Icy Strait corridor area is likely for Sunday, however the timing remains uncertain. The far northern panhandle will continue to see heavier snowfall through Sunday.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 3:26AM AKST until December 28 at 9:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 3:26 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 14 inches possible. * WHERE...Prince of Wales Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 3 PM this afternoon to midnight AKST tonight. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory, snow expected this afternoon and evening with the higher totals on the higher elevations of the road system. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. The eastern side of PoW will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 3:26AM AKST until December 28 at 9:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 3:26 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 15 inches possible. * WHERE...Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 PM AKST this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory. Highest snow accumulations will be around Port Alexander and southern Kuiu Island. Kake is only expected to see around 1 to 2 inches. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW and Baranof Island will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. Kake will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued December 25 at 3:26AM AKST until December 26 at 12:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 3:26 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 14 inches possible. * WHERE...Prince of Wales Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 3 PM this afternoon to midnight AKST tonight. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory, snow expected this afternoon and evening with the higher totals on the higher elevations of the road system. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. The eastern side of PoW will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued December 25 at 3:26AM AKST until December 25 at 9:00PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 3:26 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 15 inches possible. * WHERE...Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 PM AKST this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory. Highest snow accumulations will be around Port Alexander and southern Kuiu Island. Kake is only expected to see around 1 to 2 inches. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW and Baranof Island will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. Kake will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued December 25 at 11:15AM AKST until December 25 at 9:00PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:15 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 15 inches possible. * WHERE...Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 PM AKST this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory. Highest snow accumulations will be around Port Alexander and southern Kuiu Island. Kake is only expected to see around 1 to 2 inches. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW and Baranof Island will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. Kake will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued December 25 at 11:15AM AKST until December 26 at 12:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:15 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 14 inches possible. * WHERE...Prince of Wales Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 3 PM this afternoon to midnight AKST tonight. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory, snow expected this afternoon and evening with the higher totals on the higher elevations of the road system. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. The eastern side of PoW will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 11:15AM AKST until December 28 at 9:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:15 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 15 inches possible. * WHERE...Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from noon today to 9 PM AKST this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory. Highest snow accumulations will be around Port Alexander and southern Kuiu Island. Kake is only expected to see around 1 to 2 inches. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW and Baranof Island will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. Kake will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 11:15AM AKST until December 28 at 9:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:15 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 14 inches possible. * WHERE...Prince of Wales Island. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 3 PM this afternoon to midnight AKST tonight. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...For the winter weather advisory, snow expected this afternoon and evening with the higher totals on the higher elevations of the road system. For the winter storm watch, Heavy snow will impact the southern panhandle early Saturday morning and lasting into the late morning to afternoon, as the warm front brings a transition to rain starting with the outer coastline. PoW will see the transition to rain first as the southerly flow and warmer air pushes in behind the front, with the 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation in 6 hours expected in the early morning through midday as the transition to rain begins. The eastern side of PoW will see snow lasting longer into Saturday and higher snow accumulations due to the longer duration before transitioning to rain fully. These areas will see closer to between 8 and 12 inches in 12 hours during the day Saturday before transitioning to rain. Heavy rain will follow after the snowfall ends, lasting into Sunday.

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.

Winter Storm Watch issued December 25 at 11:15AM AKST until December 28 at 1:00PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK

Effective: Thu December 25, 2025, 11:15 AM
Expires: Thu December 25, 2025, 7:30 PM

...HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED FOR THE PANHANDLE STARTING FRIDAY EVENING... .A large system moving in from the southwest Friday evening will bring the next round of substantial snowfall across the panhandle this weekend. This first warm front moving through will push over the area late Friday night into Saturday from W to E, followed quickly by another atmospheric wave that will continue the precipitation throughout the weekend. The warm front Friday night through Saturday will bring heavy snowfall across the panhandle through the morning hours, lasting through Sunday for the northern panhandle while the southern panhandle will begin to see a transition to rain as warm air pushes in. Uncertainty remains regarding the exact snowfall amounts and the precise timing of the transition to rain, however many areas are expected to see over 12 inches in 24 hours Saturday. * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 29 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Northern Panhandle including the Icy Strait corridor, and Hyder. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and is discouraged. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will begin for Yakutat late Friday night, before the heaviest snowfall moves into the panhandle beginning early Saturday morning. The frontal passage will bring moisture in over the cold airmass in place over the northern panhandle, keeping the northern panhandle cooler for longer into Sunday with moderate to heavy snow lasting throughout the day. Hyder will see snow begin a bit later into Saturday morning, with higher rates expected Saturday evening through Sunday of 4 to 6 inches in 6 hours and up to 20 inches in 24 hours. Highest rates for the northern half of the panhandle will be in the morning through the evening, with between 0.5 and 1.0 inches per hour possible and 24 hour totals between 12 and 20 inches. Warm air will begin to decrease the snow ratios, making the fluffy lighter snow early Saturday become heavier and wetter into the evening hours and Sunday morning. A transition to a wintry mix to rain over the central panhandle and Icy Strait corridor area is likely for Sunday, however the timing remains uncertain. The far northern panhandle will continue to see heavier snowfall through Sunday.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.