Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Shelikof Strait Through Friday Morning

Alert Details

A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK. This alert is in effect alongside a Storm Warning for the region as hazardous maritime conditions develop.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Shelikof Strait. The broader forecast area includes the coastal waters for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nautical miles out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Operating vessels in these conditions is extremely hazardous. The National Weather Service recommends that mariners avoid the area. Heavy freezing spray can quickly accumulate on vessels, potentially impacting stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

Significant maritime hazards are expected to peak Thursday night:

• Wind: Northwest winds increasing to 50 knots, with gusts reaching up to 65 knots out of bays and passes.
• Seas: Wave heights building to 11 feet on Thursday night and reaching up to 13 feet by Friday.
• Icing: Heavy freezing spray is forecast to develop as the storm-force winds interact with cold temperatures.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 19, at 5:00 PM AKST. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20. Conditions are expected to begin deteriorating Wednesday night with winds increasing to 30 knots and gusts to 45 knots before the peak of the storm.