Southern Alaska Hit by Avalanche and Blizzard, Cutting off Road Access to Kenai Peninsula
By Gabriel Rivera
Published December 24, 2023
Southern Alaska faced a significant challenge as a large avalanche and blizzard conditions led to the closure of road access to much of the Kenai Peninsula, situated south of Anchorage. The avalanche struck the Seward Highway close to the intersection of the Sterling Highway at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday, causing officials to anticipate a closure lasting at least 12 hours.
Impact on Communities
The closure, which occurred 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Anchorage, had a substantial impact on the communities served by the two roads, including Seward. This picturesque town, with a population of about 2,600, found itself cut off from the rest of the region due to the natural disaster.
Challenging Weather Conditions
Avalanche warnings were issued for the southeastern Kenai Peninsula, with the area experiencing a combination of heavy snow and wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 30 mph (50 kilometers per hour). These challenging weather conditions exacerbated the situation, creating a hazardous environment for residents and travelers in the area.