Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Port Heiden to Nelson Lagoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska. The warning is officially in effect from 5:00 PM AKST on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, until 5:00 PM AKST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the maritime region from Port Heiden to Nelson Lagoon, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This area covers critical coastal waters along the Alaska Peninsula.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the warning area during the effective period. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a significant risk to vessel stability and safety. Operators should monitor the latest Coastal Waters Forecast for Southwest Alaska and Bristol Bay for updates.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions in the region are expected to become hazardous starting Tuesday night. The following conditions are forecasted:

• Wind: North winds at 25 knots.
• Seas: Average wave heights of 9 feet on Tuesday night, increasing to 10 feet on Wednesday.
• Hazards: Heavy freezing spray is expected to develop as cold winds interact with the sea surface.
• Precipitation: Snow is also expected in the area during this period.

Timeline

• Warning Onset: Tuesday, February 24, at 5:00 PM AKST.
• Peak Conditions: Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon.
• Warning Expiration: Wednesday, February 25, at 5:00 PM AKST.