Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Narrows Through Tuesday Morning
NWS Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Narrows, with north winds up to 35 knots and heavy ice accumulation expected through March 3.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Narrows. This alert is officially effective from Monday morning through early Tuesday morning.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically impacts the following geographic region:
- Valdez Narrows (UGC: PKZ721)
This area is part of the coastal waters forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast.
What You Should Do
The National Weather Service advises mariners and those in the affected area to avoid the warning zone. Heavy freezing spray can lead to significant ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a severe risk to stability and safety at sea.
Expected Conditions
Forecasted conditions for the duration of the warning include:
- Wind: North winds sustained at 30 knots, increasing to 35 knots on Monday night.
- Seas: Average wave heights of approximately 4 feet.
- Hazard: Heavy freezing spray is expected to persist through Monday night, creating hazardous maritime conditions.
Timeline
- Onset: The warning begins at 5:00 AM AKST on Monday, March 2, 2026.
- Duration: Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Monday night.
- Expiration: The alert is scheduled to end at 5:00 AM AKST on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice