Fairbanks, AK – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fairbanks has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Denali Borough, warning of snowy and slippery conditions from Thursday night through Saturday morning.
The advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday, September 11, until 7 a.m. Saturday, September 13, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected across both northern and southern Denali Borough.
Areas Affected:
Parks Highway (MP 202 to 288)
Healy, Anderson, Cantwell, Carlo Creek
Kantishna and Denali National Park
Snowfall Timing and Travel Impacts
Forecasters expect snowfall to begin late Thursday night, continuing through Friday and into early Saturday. While snow may initially melt during the warmer daytime hours, overnight temperatures will allow accumulation on roads and bridges, making travel slick and hazardous — especially during early morning and evening commutes on Friday.
Key travel warnings include:
Slick roads and reduced visibility
Hazardous driving conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses
Snow-covered highways in higher elevations or shaded areas
The Friday morning and evening commutes could be especially challenging as snow continues and begins to stick overnight.
Advice for Drivers
The NWS and local officials urge drivers to take precautions:
Slow down and increase following distance
Allow extra time to reach your destination
Use headlights and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns
Check Alaska 511 for real-time road conditions before traveling
Even a few inches of snow early in the season can lead to dangerous travel, especially when roads haven’t yet been treated or plowed regularly.
Early-season snowfall is headed to Denali Borough, with 2–4 inches expected to cause slick travel conditions from Thursday night through Saturday morning. Drivers should plan ahead, check conditions, and drive with caution — especially along the Parks Highway and through key areas like Healy, Cantwell, and Denali National Park.
