Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Cape Suckling to Gravel Point

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning and a Storm Warning for the Northern Gulf of Alaska coast. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with likely certainty.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the coastal waters from Cape Suckling to Gravel Point, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes the waters near the Copper River Delta.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected maritime zones are advised to avoid the area. Heavy freezing spray can cause significant ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to stability issues and hazardous conditions at sea.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly with the following hazards:

• Wind: North winds reaching 55 knots on Friday, with gusts as high as 70 knots near the Copper River Delta. Winds will remain high at 50 knots through Friday night.
• Seas: Wave heights are forecast to reach 10 feet on Friday, subsiding slightly to 8 feet by Friday night.
• Ice Accumulation: Heavy freezing spray is expected throughout the warning period, which can cause rapid ice buildup on exposed surfaces.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026.