Weather Alert in Alaska

Recent Locations: Kodiak, AK

Winter Weather Advisory issued March 20 at 1:00PM AKDT until March 21 at 7:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK

AREAS AFFECTED: Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait; City and Borough of Sitka; Western Kupreanof and Kuiu Island

DESCRIPTION: ...ANOTHER PERIOD OF SNOW FOR THE CENTRAL AND NORTHERN PANHANDLE THIS WEEKEND... .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 moves in. There remains some uncertainty for snow accumulations at the surface as Saturday afternoon temperatures at sea level are reaching into the mid 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. Highest snow rates are expected Saturday morning before warmer temperatures in the afternoon begin to limit snow accumulation. * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait, City and Borough of Sitka and Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 7 PM AKDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest snow rates will be in the morning. Temperatures warming in the afternoon into the mid 30s may likely lead to lower snow totals.

INSTRUCTION: Slow down and use caution while traveling. 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 Wall Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Wall Clouds

Wall Clouds Next Topic: Altocumulus Clouds

A wall cloud forms underneath the base of a cumulonimbus cloud, and can be a hotbed for deadly tornadoes.

Wall clouds are formed by air flowing into the cumulonimbus clouds, which can result in the wall cloud descending from the base of the cumulonimbus cloud, or rising fractus clouds which join to the base of the storm cloud as the wall cloud takes shape.

Wall clouds can be very large, and in the Northern Hemisphere they generally form at the southern edge of cumulonimbus clouds.

Next Topic: Altocumulus Clouds

Weather Topic: What are Altostratus Clouds?

Home - Education - Cloud Types - Altostratus Clouds

Next Topic: Cirrocumulus Clouds

Altostratus clouds form at mid to high-level altitudes (between 2 and 7 km) and are created by a warm, stable air mass which causes water vapor to condense as it rise through the atmosphere. Usually altostratus clouds are featureless sheets characterized by a uniform color.

In some cases, wind punching through the cloud formation may give it a waved appearance, called altostratus undulatus. Altostratus clouds are commonly seen with other cloud formations accompanying them.

Next Topic: Cirrocumulus Clouds