Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Cook Inlet from Kalgin Island to Point Bede

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning (VTEC code UP.W) for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This alert is classified as severe with a high likelihood of occurrence.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Cook Inlet region from Kalgin Island to Point Bede (UGC: PKZ742). This includes ice-free waters within the designated zone.

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that mariners and those in the affected coastal areas avoid the region during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can cause significant ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to stability issues and hazardous operating conditions.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate starting Friday night. Specific forecasts for the affected area include:

• Friday Night: Northeast winds at 25 knots. Seas in ice-free waters are expected to build from 4 feet to 6 feet after midnight, accompanied by heavy freezing spray.
• Saturday: Northeast winds at 25 knots with seas remaining at 6 feet.
• Extended Outlook: Winds are expected to increase to 30 knots Saturday night through Sunday, with seas reaching up to 7 feet.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 27, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 28, 2026.