Record-breaking snowfall hits Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, has experienced a record-breaking amount of snowfall in recent months.
According to the National Weather Service, the city has received almost double the amount of snow it usually gets since the start of December. As of Sunday, February 12, the city’s snowfall tally was about 1.8 m (6 feet), compared to the normal 0.9 m (37 inches).
Meteorologist Matthew Fazal explained that the official measuring spot at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport recorded this amount, but some parts of the city saw even more snow, including this weekend.
For instance, the West Anchorage area got 18 cm (7.1 inches) of snow on Sunday, February 12, breaking the previous record set in 1965. Meanwhile, the Hillside neighborhood reported up to 45 cm (18 inches) of snow.
Fazal also stated that Anchorage has received over 58 cm (23 inches) of snow this month alone, compared to the normal 15 cm (6 inches).
He emphasized that while the snowfall is expected to slow down for the rest of the week, drivers should still exercise caution as the recent snowfall has fallen on pre-existing ice, which can make driving more hazardous.
The National Weather Service also reported that since July 1, when the snow year started, Anchorage has received a total of 2.2 m (85.2 inches) of snow, compared to the normal 1.4 m (55 inches).
References:
1 Anchorage has seen almost double its usual snowfall since December – Alaska Public Media – February 13, 2023
Featured image credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, EO Browser, The Watchers. Acquired on February 13, 2023
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