Winter Storm Watch: Alaska Braces For Up To 36 Inches Of Snow As NWS Warns Of ‘Very Difficult to Impossible’ Travel

Winter storm warnings have been issued for parts of Alaska, with 18 to 36 inches of snow expected above 2,500 feet in the Eastern Alaska Range.

The National Weather Service office in Fairbanks said in a winter weather message on Sunday that the warning, which includes the Richardson Highway from Mile Post 202 to 259, runs from 7 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT) Monday, Oct. 19, to 4 a.m. AKDT Thursday, Oct. 22.

The agency said higher amounts are expected above pass level and 12 to 24 inches below 2,500 feet. "Travel could be very difficult to impossible," the warning said, with heavy snow building Monday into Wednesday.

Other Warning Areas

A separate winter storm watch for Delta Junction, Fortymile Country and the Upper Tanana Valley runs from Monday evening through Wednesday afternoon, with six to 12 inches of snow possible. Locally higher totals of 12 to 18 inches are possible between Tanacross and Dot Lake, while two to fives inches is possible from Northway to the Alcan border.

Fairbanks, Denali Watches

Winter storm watches remain in effect for the Denali Borough from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon, with 6 to 12 inches possible, and for the Fairbanks area and Nenana from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon, with 4 to 8 inches possible.

The agency cited "high uncertainty in the exact snow amounts" for the Fairbanks area. "A 30 mile change east or west will result in drastic differences," it said.

Good evening! We are monitoring a potential coastal system later this week. While uncertainty remains on the track/strength of the storm, there will be potential for strong SW winds, coastal flooding/erosion, blizzard conditions, and heavy rain/snow on the West Coast. #akwx pic.twitter.com/916XCl7jzd

— NWS Fairbanks (@NWSFairbanks) October 19, 2026

Travel Safety Tips

The warning said anyone who must travel should keep an extra flashlight, food, water and warm clothing in the vehicle and check 511.alaska.gov or call 511 for road conditions.

The National Weather Service’s winter driving guidance says to clear snow and ice from windows, headlights, tail lights and mirrors before driving, and to slow down and keep extra distance on snow-covered or icy roads.

Alaska Air Group Stock in Focus

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK), the parent company of Alaska Airlines, operates in Alaska, where a winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to several areas. The company’s shares fell 3.75% on Friday to close at $35.13, before rising 1.08% in premarket trading Monday to $35.51.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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