Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Saturday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage AK has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Narrows. This alert is part of a series of marine hazards including a storm warning effective through Friday.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic region affected by this warning is the Valdez Narrows (PKZ721) within the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska.

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that mariners and those in the affected area avoid the coastal waters during the warning period. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a significant risk to stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions in the Valdez Narrows are forecast to be severe. North winds are expected to increase to 50 knots on Friday with seas building to 5 feet. While freezing spray is anticipated to begin as early as tonight, it is expected to transition into heavy freezing spray by Friday night as winds remain high at 45 knots and seas hold at 4 feet.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is specifically in effect for Friday night. The broader alert period for these hazardous conditions concludes at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21.