Storm Warning Issued for Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast: 70-Knot Gusts and Extreme Freezing Spray Forecast

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Northern Gulf of Alaska. The alert was issued early Friday morning and remains in effect as hazardous maritime conditions develop across the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the coastal waters from Cape Suckling to Gravel Point, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast and areas adjacent to the Copper River Delta.

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that mariners and vessel operators avoid the warning area. Extreme freezing spray poses a significant risk to vessel stability and safety. Those in the area should monitor updated forecasts and take necessary precautions to mitigate ice accumulation.

Expected Conditions

Dangerous maritime conditions are forecast through the start of the weekend:

• Wind: North winds are expected at 55 knots today, with powerful gusts reaching up to 70 knots near the Copper River Delta. Winds will remain high tonight at 50 knots with 65-knot gusts.
• Seas: Wave heights are forecast to reach 10 feet today, subsiding slightly to 8 feet tonight and 7 feet on Saturday.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is occurring. Conditions will escalate to extreme freezing spray tonight and Saturday morning, with ice accumulation rates of 4 cm per hour or greater expected on vessels near the Copper River Delta.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is effective immediately and is currently set to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Saturday, February 21. Conditions are expected to begin improving on Sunday, with winds diminishing to 25 knots and seas dropping to 4 feet.