WEEKEND WEATHER AND ROAD INFORMATION

January 6th 2021

WEEKEND WEATHER  AND ROAD INFORMATION

ATTENTION:  Please see the information below from the National Weather Service regarding weather in the Wrangell area for the next week.
 

...SIGNIFICANT PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND...

A strong system bringing warm air into the region is expected to

arrive over the southern portion of the panhandle Saturday

morning and will move northwards. Precipitation is expected to

start as snow and will change over to rainfall as temperatures

increase. This system may produce 6 to 12 inches of snow before

changing over to rain, with lower amounts along the outer coast.

     There will be a number of impacts from this rain on snow event including:

- the potential for river rises and nuisance flooding

- poor drainage resulting from water raining on the roads and

  freezing

- rain and snow adding to loads on roofs, boats, and aircraft

- additional moisture on top of the snowpack adding to avalanche

  risk in steep terrain

Please stay tuned to www.weather.gov or NOAA Weather radio for updates on this situation.
 

Public Works has been taking steps to prepare for the coming weather.  Staff are on stand by for the weekend to clear any snow.  Additionally, staff are being proactive in trying to get all drains clear and flowing before the rain.  With the level of ice build up currently present and with the amount of precipitation in the forecast there is still a chance that Wrangell will experience some challenges with the conditions.  Staff will be doing everything they can to try and clear roads and drains as quickly as possible depending on what the weather actually does.

Roads may continue to be hazardous during this time frame.  Please avoid travel if possible.  If you are not able to avoid travel please slow down, drive with caution and drive to the conditions present on the roadways. 

Please reach out to the Public Works Department at (907) 874-3904 with any questions or concerns.