Voters going to the polls Tuesday in Southcentral and Southwest Alaska may contend with wind or snow, according to numerous weather warnings issued Monday.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Eagle River, Eklutna, Indian and Anchorage from 6 a.m. until noon Election Day as a front moves into the region, bringing warmer temperatures.
The warning applies to higher elevations and Turnagain Arm, areas that could see east to southeast winds of 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 75. The weather service warning forecasts local gusts to 85 mph for Upper Potter Valley and Bear Valley.
Lower elevations could see breezy conditions, according to meteorologist Josh Ribail. The front is expected to bring rain to Prince William Sound and parts of the Kenai Peninsula, he said.
Another wind warning is in place for Portage Valley and East Turnagain Arm.
The western Kenai Peninsula is expected to see strong winds coupled with an initial period of snow Tuesday morning transitioning quickly to rain, according to the weather service. The agency is also forecasting heavy snow for the Turnagain and Thompson pass areas Tuesday as well as blizzard conditions for parts of Southwest Alaska including areas west of Bethel.
Once the storm front passes through Cook Inlet on Tuesday, warmer temperatures into the low 40s could remain through at least Thursday, forecasters say.
