Heavy Freezing Spray and Gale Warnings Issued for Glacier Bay and Southeast Alaska

Alert Details

A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Gale Warning have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Juneau, AK. The alert is currently in effect and is scheduled to remain active until February 21 at 5:00 AM AKST.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic region affected is Glacier Bay. The warning also covers Southeast Alaska Inside Waters extending from Dixon Entrance to Skagway.

What You Should Do

Residents and mariners in the warning area are advised to avoid the affected waters. Heavy freezing spray can lead to significant ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a serious risk to stability and safety. Mariners should monitor conditions closely and seek safe harbor.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions in the region are expected to be severe. North winds will range from 35 to 45 knots, with gusts reaching as high as 60 knots. Sea heights are forecast to remain around 8 feet. While snow showers are diminishing, light freezing spray will transition into heavy freezing spray.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective through late tonight and expires at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21. Gale conditions are expected to persist through Saturday night and into Sunday, with wind speeds gradually decreasing by Monday.