Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Stephens Passage and Southeast Alaska Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Juneau, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Southeast Alaska Inside Waters. This alert is issued alongside a Gale Warning that remains in effect through late tonight.

Affected Areas

The warning covers Stephens Passage and the broader Southeast Alaska Inside Waters extending from Dixon Entrance to Skagway.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid the affected waters during the warning period. The NWS recommends taking necessary precautions to protect vessels from significant ice accumulation caused by freezing spray.

Expected Conditions

For tonight, the forecast calls for north winds of 40 knots, with higher gusts expected out of interior passes. Sea heights are forecast to reach 13 feet. These conditions, combined with cold temperatures, will result in heavy freezing spray accumulation on vessels.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 21, and will remain in effect until 5:00 AM AKST on Sunday, February 22. Conditions on Sunday are expected to transition to gales with continued freezing spray.