Hail falls at UAF Campus as NWS Fairbanks issues repeated holiday weather alerts

Hail fell at the National Weather Service office on the UAF Campus on Friday, July 4, and forecasters say the unsettled pattern will continue through the holiday weekend. NWS Fairbanks had already advised residents with outdoor plans to prepare for disruptions.

"Heavy rain and pea sized hail just fell at the office on UAF Campus," NWS Fairbanks posted Friday. "Expect these to continue on and off through about midnight."

The office issued multiple special weather statements for Fairbanks North Star Borough on July 3, with expiration times stepping through the afternoon and evening hours. A separate thunderstorm alert cited wind gusts under 30 mph and quarter-inch hail affecting central Fairbanks North Star, including Eielson AFB, Salcha, and Two Rivers.

The 7-day forecast shows showers and possible thunderstorms on Independence Day, with precipitation chances persisting into the evening hours. NWS Fairbanks flagged the weekend as unsettled heading into the holiday. "Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue across much of the Interior through the holiday weekend," the office said on its Facebook page. "Some of these storms may produce brief heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan if you have outdoor activities planned."

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Alaska 511 Alert — Johnson River Bridge, Tok Region: A lane closure is in effect at the Johnson River Bridge, with traffic control personnel en route. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and use caution when approaching the bridge. The closure is scheduled through July 4. This is an official Alaska 511 alert (Alert 996).

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Residents with outdoor plans should monitor NWS Fairbanks for updated statements, as conditions are expected to continue on and off through midnight.