By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Alright sugar. Today is one of those Southcentral specials where rain, ice, wind, and snow all show up uninvited and refuse to leave. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Southcentral Alaska, warning of freezing rain, snow, icy roads, and gusty winds. Translation: the roads are tricksy, visibility can go downhill fast, and patience is a winter safety strategy.
Leave early. Slow down. Donât argue with physics.
đ Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Around 35°F | Rain and freezing rain possible. Expect icy patches, especially on bridges and ramps. |
| Afternoon | Mid 30s°F | Wet roads that flirt with freezing. Black ice can sneak up on you. |
| Evening | Upper 20s°F | Refreeze sets in fast after sunset. Increase following distance and ease off the gas. |
âïž Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Low to mid 30s°F | Slush and slick stretches likely. Brake early and gently. |
| Afternoon | Mid 30s°F | Mixed precipitation keeps traction inconsistent. Stay alert. |
| Evening | Upper 20s°F | Ice develops quickly. Watch shaded areas and overpasses. |
đ Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Mid 30s°F | Rain transitioning to snow with icy stretches. Expect delays. |
| Afternoon | Mid 30s°F | Hazard reduction work and avalanche risk slow everything down. |
| Evening | Below freezing | Widespread ice likely. Night driving requires extra patience and caution. |
đ Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Around 35°F | Wet and slick conditions, especially near Kenai and Soldotna. |
| Afternoon | Low 30s°F | Snow mixing in with refreezing water creates slippery spots. |
| Evening | Upper 20s°F | Full freeze up. Slow speeds and long following distances advised. |
â ïž Memawâs Big Seward Highway Heads Up
Bless your heart if you thought today would be a quick drive through Turnagain Arm.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports avalanche hazard reduction work on the Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Highway today. Intermittent traffic holds of 45 to 60 minutes are expected at multiple locations. Delays may be longer if avalanche debris reaches the roadway and must be cleared.
Seward Highway reduction work
- South of Girdwood and north of Portage from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Seward and Sterling Wye area from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Between Seward and Crown Point from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Portage Glacier Highway
- 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
At the same time, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has issued an Avalanche Warning through early Friday morning for Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Lost Lake, and Seward. A warm, wet, windy storm has created a very reactive snowpack across the eastern Turnagain Arm and Kenai Peninsula.
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Roof avalanches are also possible in lower elevation communities including Girdwood, Moose Pass, and Seward. Keep people, pets, and vehicles well clear of rooflines that may shed snow.
Drivers should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and be prepared to stop for extended periods. Check 511 Alaska for real time road updates and closures, and review current avalanche conditions before traveling.
Now listen to Memaw. If you can postpone the trip, do it. If you canât, slow down, pack snacks, and drive like everyone else might do something foolish. Because today, they just might.
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