Storm Warning Issued for Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast Near Cape Suckling

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. The warning is officially effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026, and remains in place until 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic scope of this alert covers the region from Cape Suckling to Gravel Point out to 15 nautical miles. This includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast and the Copper River Delta.

What You Should Do

Official instructions advise individuals to avoid the area. Mariners should take immediate action to secure vessels, seek safe harbor, or alter course to avoid the dangerous wind and sea conditions forecast for this period.

Expected Conditions

• Wind Speeds: North winds are expected to reach 55 knots on Friday. Extreme gusts up to 70 knots are forecast out of the Copper River Delta.
• Seas: Average wave heights are expected to reach 10 feet on Friday, decreasing to 8 feet by Friday night.
• Additional Hazards: Heavy freezing spray is forecast for Friday and Friday night. Freezing spray is also expected to begin as early as Thursday night as winds increase.

Timeline

• Onset: The storm conditions are expected to intensify after midnight on Thursday, with the formal warning period beginning at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20.
• Peak Conditions: The highest winds and heaviest freezing spray are expected throughout the day Friday and into Friday night.
• Expiration: The warning is currently scheduled to end at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21.