Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Port of Valdez Through Saturday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Port of Valdez, with wind gusts up to 55 knots and heavy ice accumulation expected.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Port of Valdez. This alert indicates a high likelihood of significant ice accumulation on vessels due to freezing spray and high winds.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers the Port of Valdez (PKZ720) in the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast region.
What You Should Do
Mariners and residents in the affected area are advised to avoid travel within the coastal waters during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on ships, which can lead to vessel instability and dangerous conditions at sea.
Expected Conditions
Forecasters expect the following conditions during the warning period:
- Wind: Northeast winds at 35 knots with gusts up to 55 knots. Gusts are expected to diminish slightly to 45 knots after midnight.
- Seas: Sea heights are expected to remain around 6 feet.
- Hazard: Heavy freezing spray resulting from the combination of high winds and cold temperatures.
Timeline
- Warning Onset: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST.
- Warning Expiration: Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST.
Conditions are expected to improve by Saturday night as winds decrease to 20 knots and seas subside to 4 feet.
Source: NOAA Official Notice