High winds and blowing snow forecast south of Anchorage starting Thursday afternoon

Nov. 14—A combination of snow and gusty winds could make for hazardous driving conditions south of Anchorage starting Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued numerous winter weather advisories and special weather statements Thursday calling for snow and blowing snow in areas including Girdwood, Portage and Whittier.

A winter weather advisory for Portage Valley in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday through 3 a.m. Friday calls for snow accumulation between 4 and 8 inches and wind gusts as high as 45 mph. That combination could create "significantly" reduced visibility on roads in Girdwood and Portage, according to the advisory.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions, the weather service said.

A special weather statement for the western Prince William Sound, including Whittier, Seward, and Moose Pass, calls for blowing snow in Turnagain Pass and Whittier from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning, as well as snow accumulation from 3 to 6 inches.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are forecast for the Whittier area, and up to 30 mph for Turnagain Pass. For Whittier, the snow is expected to mix with or change to rain after midnight, according to the statement. For Turnagain Pass, winds will diminish by early Friday morning, but light snow is expected to continue.