The first big snow of the season hits Southcentral, prompting warnings of slick roads

UPDATE: Schools in south-central Alaska are experiencing closures and delays amid the first snowstorm of the season

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South-central Alaska will see its first major snowfall of the season on Monday, and parts of the region could see about a foot or more of snow overnight as officials also warn of slippery road conditions that could make for treacherous driving.

In Anchorage, a winter weather advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday and calls for up to 9 inches of snow.

National Weather Service meteorologist Kenna Mitchell said the first snow fell in the western parts of the city near the airport. It will move east to reach higher elevations such as the Anchorage Hillside.

“It's really like central Anchorage will most likely get less snow than the east and west, but not much,” she said.

Meanwhile, a winter storm warning is in effect for much of Matanuska-Susitna County, with up to 10 inches of snowfall expected through Tuesday morning.

On the Kenai Peninsula, towns like Kenai, Soldotna, Homer and Cooper Landing could see up to 10 inches of snow Monday and into early Tuesday. Seward could see up to 8 inches of snow – with the forecast calling for more precipitation in higher elevations like the Turnagain Pass area.

The National Weather Service is warning of slippery driving conditions across Southcentral during the evening and morning driving seasons.

In about five hours Monday afternoon, Anchorage police reported 25 car accidents and more than a dozen vehicles in distress. They urged drivers to clear snow from windshields, headlights and taillights before driving and to slow down on area roads.

Mitchell said the snow should taper off in Anchorage Tuesday afternoon. Local weather should be relatively clear until Thursday, when more snow is possible.

Chris Klint is a web producer and breaking news reporter for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at[email protected].Read more about ChrisHere.