Storm Warning Issued for Saint Matthew Island Waters with 65-Knot Gusts and 23-Foot Seas
The National Weather Service has issued a storm warning for Saint Matthew Island Waters, effective Monday morning through Tuesday morning, as winds and seas are expected to rise significantly.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the coastal waters surrounding Saint Matthew Island. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with immediate urgency.
Affected Areas
The primary area affected is the Saint Matthew Island Waters (PKZ767) within the Southwest Alaska and Bering Sea region.
What You Should Do
Mariners and residents in the affected maritime zone are advised to avoid the area. The NWS recommends taking necessary precautions to secure vessels and equipment against high winds and significant wave heights.
Expected Conditions
Significant hazardous weather is forecast for the region during the warning period:
- Wind Speeds: On Monday, southeast winds are expected to reach 50 knots with gusts as high as 65 knots. By Monday night, southwest winds of 50 knots will gradually diminish to 35 knots after midnight.
- Sea Conditions: In ice-free waters, seas are expected to build from 11–17 feet tonight to 18 feet on Monday, peaking at 23 feet on Monday night. Seas will remain elevated at 16 feet through Tuesday.
- Precipitation: The area will experience a mix of snow and rain, transitioning to snow on Monday and snow showers by Monday night.
Timeline
- Onset: The storm warning conditions begin at 5:00 AM AKST on Monday, February 16, 2026.
- Peak Intensity: Highest winds and seas are forecast for Monday afternoon through Monday night.
- Expiration: The warning is currently set to expire at 5:00 AM AKST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice