The National Weather Service issued at 9 a.m. Wednesday a winter weather advisory for the western Kenai Peninsula and other areas of Southcentral Alaska.

The forecast includes clouds in the morning, with snow developing in the afternoon, becoming mixed with freezing rain or sleet inland and rain around Kachemak Bay in the afternoon. Snow accumulation will be one to three inches, except three to six inches along Cook Inlet. Temperatures will be warmest around Kachemak Bay, ranging from the upper 20s to upper 30s. Winds will be from the southeast, 5-30 miles per hours, stronger along the inlet.

By evening, there will be snow along Cook Inlet, with snow, rain and freezing rain elsewhere.

According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, driving conditions on the Sterling Highway beginning at milepost 111 and south are "fair," with reduced visibility due to partial cloudy conditions and snow flurries. Drivers should be aware of blowing and drifting snow, frosted pavement and rough icy patches.

"Difficult driving conditions" are indicated from milepost 65 to milepost 111 on the Sterling Highway and on the Kenai Spur Highway, from the Sterling Highway to milepost 12. Drivers are urged to:

• Not pass;

• Drive with headlights on;

• Reduce speed;

• Be aware of rough, slippery surfaces;

• Be alert for snow removal equipment on roadway;

• Maintain a distance of 200 feet behind snowplows.

For more information, visit:

• www.arh.noaa.gov;

• www.511.alaska.gov.