Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Northern Lynn Canal Through Saturday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Northern Lynn Canal. This alert is issued alongside a Gale Warning as maritime conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Northern Lynn Canal and the Southeast Alaska Inside Waters, specifically the regions extending from Dixon Entrance to Skagway.

What You Should Do

Residents and mariners are advised to avoid the warning area. Heavy freezing spray can cause significant ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a severe risk to stability and safety. Ensure all equipment is secured and monitor further updates from the NWS.

Expected Conditions

Dangerous conditions are forecast for the region over the coming days:

• Wind: North winds will increase from 25–40 knots today to gale-force winds of 45 knots tonight. By Saturday night, winds are expected to reach storm force at 50 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights are building from 6–11 feet today, reaching 12 feet tonight, and peaking at 15 feet by Saturday night.
• Icing: Light freezing spray today will transition to heavy freezing spray by Saturday as temperatures and winds intensify.
• Precipitation: Snow showers are expected early Friday morning.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting late tonight, February 20. The current warning window is set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21, though heavy freezing spray and storm-force winds are forecast to persist through Saturday night and into Sunday.