Winter storm warning to take effect in the Susitna Valley

Warmer temperatures are in the forecast, but so is a hefty helping of snow on Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Susitna Valley through the early hours of Friday.

According to the warning, 12 to 20 inches of snow could fall between Thursday and early Friday. The National Weather Service says that travel will be very difficult, and those who must travel should carry emergency supplies in their vehicles.

Due to budget cuts, the state Department of Transportation has changed how it prioritizes roads for snow plowing. The Talkeetna Spur Road is considered a Priority 2, which means it could take up to 36 hours for snow to be cleared. That is the same priority given to much of the Parks Highway. Comsat road is a Priority 4, meaning it could take up to four days for snow to be cleared in some areas. The paved section of Petersville Road is a Priority 3, which means plowing could take two days. Most other Upper Valley roads are maintained by the Mat-Su Borough.