Storm Warning Issued for Chiniak Bay; Winds to Reach 50 Knots with 65 Knot Gusts

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the Chiniak Bay area. The alert is effective from Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic region affected by this warning is Chiniak Bay (PKZ736). The broader coastal waters forecast includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nm out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends that individuals avoid the area during the warning period. Mariners should take necessary precautions to secure vessels and equipment against high winds and building seas.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly overnight. Forecasted weather includes:

• Winds: Northwest winds starting at 30 knots, increasing to 50 knots overnight.
• Gusts: Wind gusts are expected to increase from 40 knots to 65 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights of 4 feet building to 8 feet after midnight.
• Additional Hazards: Freezing spray is expected as temperatures and wind speeds fluctuate.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is effective as of 3:15 PM AKST on February 19, 2026. The onset of the most severe conditions is expected at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, with the warning remaining in effect until 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20.