Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Friday

Alert Details

A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. The alert is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Valdez Narrows (PKZ721) within the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast region.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends that mariners and residents avoid the area during this period. Heavy freezing spray can lead to significant ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a severe threat to stability and safety at sea.

Expected Conditions

Forecasted conditions for the affected coastal waters include:

• Today: North winds at 40 knots with 4-foot seas and heavy freezing spray.
• Tonight: North winds at 35 knots with 4-foot seas and heavy freezing spray.
• Friday: North winds at 30 knots with 3-foot seas and heavy freezing spray.

In addition to the freezing spray, a Gale Warning is also in effect for the region through tonight.

Timeline

• Effective Date: February 26, 2026, at 3:45 AM AKST
• Expiration: February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST
• Extended Outlook: Conditions are expected to improve slightly starting Friday night, with north winds decreasing to 25 knots and 3-foot seas through Monday.