By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
👵 Memaw here, waving a mitten and a finger at the same time. Yes, snow is falling and the morning commute is dicey, but listen close. Alaska State Troopers are actively enforcing the Move Over Law, and winter weather is exactly when folks forget their manners. If you see emergency lights, you move over. If you do not, Captain Spitzer might remind you in a way you will not forget. Consider this your friendly FYI before the not-so-friendly reprimand.
❄️ Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 5°F to 15°F | Fresh snow and reduced visibility. Give plows space and keep your headlights on. |
| Afternoon | 10°F to 20°F | Packed snow lingers. Watch for slick curves and shaded stretches. |
| Evening | 0°F to 10°F | Temps drop fast. Black ice can sneak in after sunset. Slow your roll. |
🌬️ Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 10°F to 20°F | Snow falling during the commute. Expect slick lanes and blowing powder. |
| Afternoon | 15°F to 25°F | Conditions improve but stay alert near Eagle River and windy gaps. |
| Evening | 5°F to 15°F | Refreeze risk rises. Increase following distance and ease into braking. |
🌊 Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 15°F to 25°F | Snow and low visibility near Turnagain Arm. Hold that steering wheel tight. |
| Afternoon | 20°F to 30°F | Slushy spots possible. Watch for changing conditions near the water. |
| Evening | 10°F to 20°F | Cooling temps mean icy patches. Don’t trust that shiny pavement. |
🌲 Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Hi/Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 10°F to 20°F | Snow-covered roads inland. Keep speeds down and lights on. |
| Afternoon | 15°F to 25°F | Snow tapers but traction stays questionable. Stay patient. |
| Evening | 5°F to 15°F | Refreezing likely. Scan ahead for dark ice and drifting snow. |
Memaw’s Safety Sermon, With Love
Alaska Statute 28.35.185 says it plain as day. When you approach an emergency vehicle with lights flashing, including Troopers, firefighters, medics, and tow truck drivers, you must move over to the next lane away when it is safe to do so. If you cannot move over, you slow down. And … for my darlings who like to camp in the “fast” lane, be neighborly and let folks from the “slow” lane merge over briefly so everyone can clear those emergency vehicles safely. Snowy roads and flashing lights are not the time to be stubborn.
💅
