Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Shelikof Strait and Northern Gulf of Alaska

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Shelikof Strait. This alert is issued due to expected hazardous marine conditions that may lead to significant ice accumulation on vessels.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Shelikof Strait and the coastal waters for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast, extending up to 100 nautical miles out. This geographic scope includes Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected coastal zones are advised to avoid the area during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on ships, which can impact vessel stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

According to the Coastal Waters Forecast, the following conditions are anticipated:

• Wednesday: Northwest winds are expected to reach 45 knots with seas averaging 11 feet. Heavy freezing spray is forecast.
• Wednesday Night: Northwest winds will continue at 40 knots with seas at 10 feet, maintaining heavy freezing spray conditions.
• Thursday: Conditions are expected to begin improving with northwest winds at 35 knots and seas at 7 feet.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST. The warning is currently scheduled to remain in effect until Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST.