Hold on to your hats, Anchorage—it’s going to be a wild ride this weekend!
Anchorage on Alert for Powerful Winds
Starting early Saturday morning, fierce southeast winds are expected to barrel through, hitting speeds of 35 to 55 mph. If that’s not enough, gusts could scream up to 70 mph around Turnagain Arm and the Anchorage Hillside. Even areas like Eagle River won’t escape the blow, with gusts reaching as high as 50 mph.

This kind of wind isn’t just loud—it’s dangerous. Loose objects could become flying missiles, trees might snap, and power outages are a real possibility. On top of that, traveling during these conditions will be no walk in the park. And as if the winds weren’t enough, heavy rain is also on the way. With the ground still frozen solid, all that water has nowhere to go, increasing the risk of flooding. Streets, urban areas, and low-lying spots could all end up underwater through Monday morning.
Fairbanks: Snow and Ice Add to Weekend Woes
Meanwhile, Fairbanks has its problems to deal with. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until Sunday morning, with 1 to 5 inches of snow expected. The higher you are, the deeper the snow. And just to make things more fun (or frustrating), some areas could see a messy mix of snow and rain, turning roads into icy slip-and-slide zones. If you must drive, take it slow and be ready for slick conditions, especially on less-traveled roads where packed snow will stay icy for a while.
Juneau: A Quiet Spot Amid the Chaos
Over in Juneau, the weather is much calmer. Cloudy skies and light showers are all that’s expected. No big warnings here—just don’t forget your umbrella if you’re heading out.
What You Need to Do to Stay Safe
- Tie Down or Bring Inside Loose Items: High winds can send your trash cans, lawn chairs, or anything not nailed down flying into the neighbor’s yard—or through someone’s window.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Fully charge your phones and keep flashlights handy. Better safe than sorry!
- Be Flood-Watch Ready: If you live in a low-lying area, keep an eye out for rising water and be ready to move to higher ground.
- Drive with Caution: Ice, snow, and gusty winds can make any road trip stressful. Slow down and stay alert.

This weekend is shaping up to be rough for Alaska, but with a little preparation and a lot of caution, we’ll get through it. Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t underestimate what Mother Nature is bringing our way.