Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Southern Lynn Canal and Southeast Alaska Inside Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Southern Lynn Canal. This severe alert indicates that hazardous conditions are likely, posing a significant threat to maritime safety due to rapid ice accumulation on vessels.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Southern Lynn Canal and the Southeast Alaska Inside Waters, spanning the region from Dixon Entrance to Skagway.

What You Should Do

Official instructions advise mariners to avoid the area during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice buildup on decks and superstructures, which can lead to vessel instability, capsizing, or the failure of essential equipment.

Expected Conditions

Conditions in the Southern Lynn Canal are forecast to be extremely hazardous:

• Tonight: North winds of 50 knots with gusts up to 65 knots. Sea heights are expected to reach 15 feet, accompanied by heavy freezing spray.
• Today: North winds of 45 knots with gusts to 60 knots and 15-foot seas.
• Sunday: North storm force winds up to 50 knots and 15-foot seas will continue to produce freezing spray.
• Sunday Night: North gales to 40 knots with gusts to 55 knots and 14-foot seas.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective starting at 5:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.