In parts of the North and across the United States, fall has just begun. However, for some northern states, winter has already arrived. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in its first major winter weather advisories of the season, Alaska could see up to nine inches of snow between Thursday afternoon and Friday evening.
The NWS also warns of heavy mountain snowfalls, slippery travel, and unusual early winter conditions in parts of Montana and Wyoming.
Alaska Prepares for Up to 9 Inches of Snow
Winter advisories have been issued in central Alaska, including the White Mountains, high terrain south of the Yukon River, and the Chena Hot Springs Resort areas along Chena Hot Springs Road east of Milepost 34. According to the NWS Fairbanks office, a winter weather advisory is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening.
Snowfall totals between 4 and 9 inches are forecast across the advisory area, with up to 6 inches likely in lower elevations. The National Weather Service cautioned that hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
The NWS has warned motorists and residents to be alert for slippery roads and reduced visibility for their safety. The agency emphasizes the importance of preparedness as Alaska transitions into colder months, particularly for communities and travelers using major routes that are affected by winter weather.
The advisory comes as the Fairbanks area saw over an inch of snow last weekend. The NWS office in Fairbanks shared images of the snow, which measured at 1.2 inches, on social media.
“According to records, the Fairbanks area typically gets their first inch of snow on October 9th, so we are about two weeks ahead of schedule,” NWS Fairbanks posted on X. “This snow is unlikely to stick around, but keep an eye on the horizon as winter is coming!”
Montana and Wyoming Under Winter Storm Watches
Montana and Wyoming are also bracing for an early taste of winter as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm watches on Thursday afternoon, warning roughly 5,000 residents in the affected areas of potentially ‘major’ impacts this weekend.
Forecasters say snow in the mountains is not unusual for this time of year, but this system is expected to bring above-normal snowfall amounts, raising concerns for travel disruptions and hazardous conditions.
“This is a little early. It is around this time you start to see snow in the mountains. However, with this system, it is looking like the amounts are above normal for this time of year,” NWS meteorologist Adam Dziewaltowski told Newsweek.
The warning emphasizes the likelihood of significant accumulations across higher elevations, with the potential for lower valleys to also see measurable snow.
In Wyoming, accumulations could reach 12 inches in the Absaroka and Bighorn mountains, with hazardous conditions expected on U.S. 14 over Granite Pass and U.S. 16 over Powder River Pass.
In Montana, the NWS Missoula office forecast up to 6 inches of snow above 5,500 feet in Glacier National Park, Logan Pass, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The Billings office warned of as much as 16 inches in the Beartooth, Crazy, and Bighorn mountains, creating potentially “very difficult” travel along the Beartooth Highway.
Why Early Winter Storms Raise Concern
Early-season storms pose unique risks because many people are not yet prepared for full winter conditions. Hunters, hikers, and travelers often head into high country at this time of year, unaware of how quickly conditions can change.
The NWS has urged outdoor recreationists to get proper shelter, clothing, and emergency supplies to avoid risks of hypothermia and frostbite.
Travel and Safety Precautions
The NWS is urging residents across the affected regions to stay alert and monitor conditions closely, to limit disruptions to normal activities. Motorists are advised to reduce speed, keep extra distance on the roads, and check conditions by calling 511 before traveling. For those venturing outside, even short trips can be hazardous.
Conclusion
The National Weather Service’s first major winter storm warnings highlight how quickly an early winter storm can disrupt daily life. This early system signals that winter weather safety must be a priority long before the season officially arrives.
With snowfall forecasts calling for heavy accumulations across Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming, residents are urged to prepare now. From monitoring weather alerts to winterizing vehicles and stocking essentials, readiness is key.