Schools Open After Anchorage’s First Major Snowfall
Anchorage experienced its first significant snowfall of the season on Thursday, with a total of 8 inches reported by Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Despite the conditions, schools remained open on Friday, though some disruptions to bus service were expected.
Impact on School Transportation
The school district issued a morning alert regarding bus service changes:
“Because of the snow, bus service for Girdwood K-8 is canceled. Buses in many other areas are running but may be delayed as drivers take it slow and safe this morning.”
Students unable to attend school due to unsafe road conditions were granted excused absences.
Record Snowfall and Storm Effects
The snowfall set a daily record in Anchorage, with 6.8 inches measured Thursday at the Sand Lake office, surpassing the previous record of 6.1 inches set in 2011.
Traffic Incidents During the Storm
- Thursday afternoon saw several injury crashes on the Glenn Highway north of Anchorage.
- Anchorage police responded to 38 crashes on Thursday, including 13 with injuries.
- Another 41 vehicles requested assistance due to distress.
- On Friday morning, there were four additional non-injury crashes and eight vehicles in distress as of 7:45 a.m.
A crash involving two vehicles just before 1 p.m. caused a brief closure of all southbound lanes of the Glenn Highway near the weigh station north of Anchorage.
Summary
The early significant snowfall in Anchorage caused school transportation delays and numerous traffic accidents, highlighting the ongoing challenges of winter travel in the area.