Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Barren Islands East Through Thursday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Barren Islands East region. This alert indicates a high likelihood of significant ice accumulation on vessels due to freezing spray combined with high winds and heavy seas.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Barren Islands East (PKZ731). This area is part of the coastal waters forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast, extending up to 100 nautical miles out, including regions near Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the affected area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on ships, which can lead to stability issues and hazardous conditions on deck. Monitor the latest coastal waters forecasts for updates.

Expected Conditions

According to the NWS, the following conditions are anticipated:

• Tonight: Northwest winds at 55 knots, diminishing to 45 knots after midnight. Seas are expected to reach 15 feet. Snow showers and heavy freezing spray will be present.
• Thursday: Northwest winds at 40 knots with seas of 13 feet. Heavy freezing spray will continue throughout the day.
• Thursday Night: Northwest winds will decrease to 35 knots with seas dropping to 9 feet. Freezing spray is still expected during this period.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective immediately as of Wednesday, February 25, at 3:30 PM AKST. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, February 26.