"Snow emergencies and power outages: Winter storms wreak havoc in Alaska and Washington"

The Municipality of Anchorage has declared a snow emergency due to hazardous road conditions and heavy snowfall, prompting the city to call on private contractors to assist with snow removal. The unexpected volume of snow has led officials to seek additional resources to clear residential streets within 84 hours. While there is no driving ban in place, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads to facilitate snow removal efforts. The city's street maintenance division is fully staffed and focusing on major roadways before moving to residential areas. The state's Department of Transportation is prioritizing clearing main roads before secondary arterials. The wet and dense snow has caused tree damage, with contractors now handling tree removal to prioritize road and sidewalk clearance.