Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Passage Canal, Alaska
The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Passage Canal, with winds up to 40 knots and gusts to 55 knots expected through Wednesday morning.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Passage Canal region. This alert is effective starting Tuesday evening and remains in place until early Wednesday morning.
Affected Areas
The primary geographic area affected by this warning is Passage Canal (PKZ723) along the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast.
What You Should Do
Mariners and residents in the affected coastal areas are advised to avoid travel or operations in the warning zone. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which significantly increases the risk of capsizing or loss of stability.
Expected Conditions
Conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout Tuesday, leading into the peak of the warning period:
- Wind Speed: West winds of 30 knots, increasing to 40 knots after midnight Tuesday. Gusts are expected to reach between 40 and 55 knots.
- Seas: Wave heights are forecast to build to 6 feet.
- Precipitation: Rain and snow are expected Tuesday night, coinciding with the development of heavy freezing spray.
Timeline
- Onset: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST.
- Peak Conditions: Tuesday night through early Wednesday morning.
- Expiration: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST.
Source: NOAA Official Notice