Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Saint Matthew Island Waters Through Tuesday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Saint Matthew Island Waters, with heavy ice accumulation expected near the ice edge through early Tuesday.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Saint Matthew Island Waters. This alert is issued when conditions are likely to cause significant ice accumulation on vessels, which can pose a severe hazard to maritime safety.
Affected Areas
The primary geographic region affected by this warning is the Saint Matthew Island Waters (PKZ767) in the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska.
What You Should Do
Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the affected areas if possible. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on decks and superstructures, potentially impacting vessel stability. Ensure all safety equipment is accessible and monitor the latest coastal waters forecasts.
Expected Conditions
According to the NWS Anchorage forecast, the following conditions are expected in the warning area:
- Today: Northeast winds at 25 knots. Seas in ice-free waters are expected to reach 7 feet. Heavy freezing spray is forecast near the ice edge.
- Tonight: North winds at 25 knots with seas in ice-free waters at 6 feet. Heavy freezing spray will continue near the ice edge.
- Tuesday: North winds will decrease to 20 knots with 5-foot seas, though freezing spray is still expected to persist.
Timeline
The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective immediately and is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice