Ketchikan saw about three and a half inches of snow Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. That’s just half an inch shy of the city’s daily snowfall record for December 10, which was set in 1971.
Across the island, there were multiple closures and cancellations.
Nick Morgan is a senior meteorologist at the weather service’s Juneau office. He says Ketchikan saw more snowfall Wednesday than other southern Southeast communities, like Metlakatla.
“Basically, what’s happening is where the snow bands are setting up is where you’re having that heaviest snowfall,” Morgan said. “You can go a mile or two down the road and you could be under clear blue skies and not see anything.”
Morgan says the snowfall will likely stop Wednesday night, but it should stick around – temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s. And Thursday’s forecasted high is only 29 degrees. Morgan says this may cause snow accumulation to freeze on roadways or sidewalks, making travel difficult. He says marine and air travel could also be affected.
Dave Owings is the secretary of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. He urges people to be cautious walking outside, especially on the long flights of outdoor stairs, which Ketchikan is known for.
“Slips, trips and falls are real,” Owings said. “I mean, it’s a really common way that people get hurt, so just slow down.”
He recommends people use one hand to brace themselves as they walk, and if you have to go outside on icy docks or sidewalks, it’s best to have company.
“Always use the buddy system, where you’re down there with someone or someone else,” Owings said. “So if something happens, if you slip and fall and you’re injured, or you slip and go into the water, it can be really difficult to self rescue.”
Ketchikan Indian Community closed their offices early on Wednesday, and their clinics will be open on a limited basis for walk-in care. The KIC candidate forum, which was originally scheduled for tonight at the Ted Ferry Civic Center, has been postponed.
The Advance Care Directive program that was scheduled for this evening at the Ketchikan Public Library has been cancelled, and the University of Alaska Southeast campus closed early this afternoon. The White Cliff building closed at 1 p.m.
Hunter Morrison is a Report for America corps member for KRBD. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution.
