By Jasz Garrett
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – UPDATE: Storm Totals for Southeast Alaska
Original:
The National Weather Service Juneau has provided an update on the snowfall recorded as of Wednesday at midnight.
Meteorologist Nathan Compton described the snow accumulations Juneau experienced over the past three days.
“From the airport, we’ve had a three-day maximum midnight Sunday to midnight on Wednesday of 34.5 inches. And that ranks number five for greatest three-day total ever for Juneau. We’re still working on snow totals right now because that’s just a midnight-to-midnight orb that’s not the snow total,” he said. “But where we stand right now for January so far, is 69.2 inches at the airport as of midnight, and that’s tied for 1982 for second highest snowfall for the month of January.”
The past three-day total from the Juneau International Airport is 34.5 inches, the 5th highest snowfall accumulation. The three-day total from last week’s storm is 28.3 inches. This makes the total for the week 62.8 inches. Overall for the month is 69.2 inches. 91% of snow for January was caused by the two systems Juneau experienced in the past week.
Juneau would need another 6.1 inches to break the 2009 record for highest snowfall accumulation for January.
The Mendenhall Valley and downtown Juneau area experienced similar snow accumulations.
Snow was still falling past midnight, and official storm results will be available on Thursday.
Juneau also broke two daily snowfall records back to back, which Compton said speaks to the intensity of the snow event.
“14.1 inches broke the record from 2002. It broke the record of 8.2 inches and that was just for January 23. Only that day,” he said. “The one of 11 inches that broke the record of five inches from back in 1969, that was only for January 22. But it is pretty telling when you get back-to-back record-breakers.”
Juneau can expect to see freezing rain Friday into Saturday via a National Weather Service Juneau weather statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Juneau Docks and Harbors Department reported several boats capsized or sunk by the weight of the snow. Capital City Fire Rescue reported one commercial structure that collapsed Tuesday and 2 porches as of Wednesday morning. It’s recommended to clear snow off roofs. CCFR said it’s important to know the exits out of your home as snow may block one completely.
