A 960 mb low is located near Unalaska this morning. Another low center is extending out from it over Bristol Bay. Over the Gulf of Alaska, a strong upper level jet is steering moisture into the northern shores of the Gulf, including PWS and the northern Panhandle. Some of this precipitation is heavy. Wrap-around moisture is covering Southwest, with pockets of moderate rain and snow.
This storm has prompted Winter Weather advisories in SW and Blizzard Warnings along Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley through the morning. A huge surge in temperatures is not anticipated with this storm, however, widespread 30s and 40s are expected. Coastal areas that are seeing snow now, like Seward and Homer, may mix with or change to rain later as slightly milder air arrives.
The northern half of the state will see increasing clouds but very little precipitation.
The strong southeasterly flow out of the Gulf is piling up against the Chugach. Very little snow will make it's way into the Cook Inlet region, including Anchorage and the Mat Su due to this dry downsloping flow. Gusty winds will toss up some snow in the Valley---look for the strongest winds from 30 to 40 mph through the evening.
Travel down Turnagain Arm will be difficult with snow and blowing snow before sleet, a rain/snow mix and wet snow become likely through the afternoon.
