Storm Warning Issued for Shelikof Strait: 70-Knot Gusts and Heavy Freezing Spray Expected

Alert Details

A Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. The alert is currently in effect and remains active through Friday afternoon.

Affected Areas

The primary area impacted is the Shelikof Strait within the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast. The warning covers coastal waters up to 100 nautical miles out, including areas near Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

Expected Conditions

Severe maritime conditions are forecast for the region:

• Winds: Northwest winds are expected to increase from 35 knots to 50 knots tonight. On Friday, winds will remain at 50 knots before diminishing to 40 knots in the afternoon.
• Gusts: Wind gusts out of bays and passes are expected to reach 70 knots tonight, decreasing slightly to 65 knots on Friday morning and 55 knots by Friday afternoon.
• Seas: Wave heights are forecast to reach 11 feet tonight and peak at 12 feet on Friday.
• Hazards: Heavy freezing spray is expected through Friday, posing a significant risk to vessels.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is effective from 3:15 PM AKST on Thursday, February 19, and is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 20. Conditions are expected to begin improving Friday night with winds decreasing to 35 knots and seas subsiding to 8 feet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected coastal zones are advised to avoid the area during the warning period. The NWS recommends taking immediate precautions to protect life and property from high winds and heavy freezing spray.