Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Cape Suckling to Gravel Point Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with a high level of certainty regarding its impact on the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the area from Cape Suckling to Gravel Point, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This geographic scope includes the coastal waters forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast, which encompasses areas up to 100 nautical miles out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and those operating in the affected coastal regions are advised to avoid the area during the warning period. The combination of extreme wind speeds and freezing temperatures creates hazardous conditions for maritime operations. It is recommended to monitor updated forecasts from NWS Anchorage for any changes in the storm’s trajectory or intensity.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly as the storm progresses. Forecasted conditions include:

• Wind: North winds at 55 knots, with extreme gusts reaching up to 70 knots specifically out of the Copper River Delta.
• Seas: Average wave heights are expected to reach 10 feet.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is anticipated due to the combination of high winds and cold temperatures, which can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to begin at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on the same day. Prior to the onset of the heavy freezing spray, a storm warning is in effect for Thursday night into Friday morning.