Storm Warning Issued for Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast: Winds Up to 55 Knots Expected

Alert Details

A Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. The warning is effective starting at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, February 19, and remains in place until 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 20.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast, specifically from Gore Point to Marmot Island from 15 to 80 NM out.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents are advised to avoid the affected coastal waters. The response level for this event is categorized as “Avoid” due to the hazardous conditions expected at sea.

Expected Conditions

Significant marine hazards are forecast for the duration of the warning:

• Winds: Northwest winds are expected to reach 45 knots today, increasing to 55 knots tonight. Winds will remain high at 50 knots on Friday before shifting to North at 45 knots Friday night.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to peak at 21 feet tonight, following 18-foot seas today. Seas will remain hazardous at 17 feet on Friday.
• Freezing Spray: Freezing spray is forecast for tonight and throughout Friday.

Timeline

• Onset: Thursday, February 19 at 5:00 PM AKST
• Peak Conditions: Thursday night through Friday morning
• Expiration: Friday, February 20 at 5:00 PM AKST

Conditions are expected to begin improving by Saturday, with winds decreasing to 30 knots and seas subsiding to 10 feet.