Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Chiniak Bay Through Thursday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Chiniak Bay. This alert is in effect alongside a Gale Warning that remains active through Wednesday night. The warning was issued following reports of hazardous maritime conditions in the Northern Gulf of Alaska.

Affected Areas

The primary area affected is Chiniak Bay (PKZ736). The broader forecast area includes the coastal waters for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nm out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Official guidance indicates that individuals should avoid the affected waters during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can lead to significant ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a severe risk to maritime safety and vessel stability.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speed: Northwest winds are expected to reach 35 knots tonight, increasing to 45 knots on Wednesday, and remaining at 35 knots Wednesday night.
• Sea Conditions: Average sea heights are forecast at 5 feet tonight, rising to 6 feet on Wednesday and Wednesday night.
• Hazardous Spray: Heavy freezing spray is specifically forecast for Wednesday and Wednesday night. Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday as winds decrease to 30 knots and seas subside to 4 feet.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 26, 2026.