Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Northwest Prince William Sound, Alaska

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Northwest Prince William Sound

The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Northwest Prince William Sound, with 40-knot winds and 9-foot seas expected to create hazardous icing conditions.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Northwest Prince William Sound region. This alert is classified as severe and indicates that hazardous conditions are likely to occur during the specified timeframe.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically targets the Northwest Prince William Sound (UGC: PKZ724). This includes coastal waters and marine areas within this geographic zone.

What You Should Do

Mariners and individuals in the affected coastal areas are advised to avoid the region during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which significantly impacts stability and safety. Monitor local marine forecasts for updates on conditions.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate as Northwest winds increase. On Wednesday, forecasts indicate Northwest winds of 40 knots with gusts reaching up to 50 knots. Seas are expected to remain at approximately 9 feet. These high winds and sea heights, combined with cold temperatures, will result in heavy freezing spray. Prior to the warning onset, Tuesday will see Northwest winds increasing to 30 knots and seas building to 7 feet with snow.

Timeline

  • Onset: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST
  • Duration: The warning is effective through Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST
  • Current Status: The alert was issued on February 24, 2024, at 4:14 AM AKST.

Source: NOAA Official Notice