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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Cook Inlet region. This alert is specifically effective from Thursday night, February 19, through 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters of Cook Inlet, specifically from Kalgin Island to Point Bede. This includes areas within the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast forecast zone.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the area during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a significant risk to stability and safety. Operators should monitor local conditions and seek safe harbor if necessary.

Expected Conditions

Forecasted conditions for the warning period include:

• Winds: Northwest winds at 30 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots expected out of bays and passes during the evening.
• Seas: Average wave heights of approximately 9 feet.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray resulting from the combination of high winds and cold temperatures.

Additionally, a Gale Warning is in effect for Thursday, with winds reaching 35 knots and gusts up to 45 knots out of bays and passes in the afternoon, with seas building from 5 feet to 10 feet.

Timeline

• Warning Onset: Thursday night, February 19, 2026.
• Warning Expiration: 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026.
• Extended Outlook: North winds of 30 to 35 knots and seas up to 10 feet are expected to persist through Friday night.