KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A winter storm watch issued Sunday warned of a large, slow-moving low south of Kodiak Island that could bring up to 20-inches of snow over the next few days. That watch was replaced Monday afternoon with a full-on blizzard warning.
City Public Works Director Mark Kozak said the first blast of snow Sunday night and early Monday was less than his crews expected, but was already picking up by mid-day.
Less than two weeks ago almost all the snow in town had melted, and some motorcyclists were even seen out and about. Overall though, according to Kozak, it hasn’t been too snowy of a winter, saving the city some money.
Kozak is also keeping his eye on the ash fall predictions from Mount Redoubt, which could force him to take his plows, snow-blowers and dump trucks off the road to protect their engines from the damaging ash-fall.
Even without the blizzard, Era Aviation announced that the Redoubt eruption has forced them to cancel some of their flights, and most of Alaska’s flights in-state have also been canceled.
The blizzard warning went into effect at 4 this (Monday) afternoon, and calls for snow and blowing snow, with winds gusting to 50 miles per hour, reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less at times. As the large storm system moves eastward, the snow and winds should diminish overnight. The blizzard warning is in effect until 5 a.m. Tuesday.
