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: Cape Fairweather to Lisianski Strait
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 3 to 5 inches. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Pelican and Elfin Cove. * 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. * 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.
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Weather Topic: What is Sleet?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Sleet
Next Topic: Snow
Sleet is a form of precipitation in which small ice pellets are the primary
components. These ice pellets are smaller and more translucent than hailstones,
and harder than graupel. Sleet is caused by specific atmospheric conditions and
therefore typically doesn't last for extended periods of time.
The condition which leads to sleet formation requires a warmer body of air to be
wedged in between two sub-freezing bodies of air. When snow falls through a warmer
layer of air it melts, and as it falls through the next sub-freezing body of air
it freezes again, forming ice pellets known as sleet. In some cases, water
droplets don't have time to freeze before reaching the surface and the result is
freezing rain.
Next Topic: Snow
Weather Topic: What are Stratocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Stratus Clouds
Stratocumulus clouds are similar to altocumulus clouds in their
fluffy appearance, but have a slightly darker shade due to their additional mass.
A good way to distinguish the two cloud types is to hold your hand out and measure
the size of an individual cloud; if it is the size of your thumb it is generally
an altocumulus cloud, if it is the size of your hand it is generally a
stratocumulus cloud.
It is uncommon for stratocumulus clouds to produce precipitation, but if they do
it is usually a light rain or snow.
Next Topic: Stratus Clouds
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