Storm Warning Issued for Cape Suckling to Gravel Point; 70-Knot Gusts and Heavy Freezing Spray Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This alert is classified as severe and requires immediate attention for those in the affected maritime zones.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the region from Cape Suckling to Gravel Point, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nautical miles out, encompassing Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

The official response recommendation is to avoid the area. Mariners should seek safe harbor or remain in port until conditions improve. Heavy freezing spray can lead to significant ice accumulation on vessels, creating hazardous conditions.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: North winds are expected to increase to 35 knots tonight, reaching 55 knots after midnight. On Friday, sustained winds of 55 knots are forecast, with gusts reaching up to 70 knots out of the Copper River Delta.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to reach 10 feet tonight and Friday, subsiding slightly to 8 feet by Friday night.
• Hazards: Freezing spray is expected tonight, transitioning to heavy freezing spray on Friday.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is effective starting at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist until the warning ends at 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026.