Storm Warning Issued for Sitkinak to Castle Cape Alaska Peninsula Waters

Alert Details

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

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the maritime region from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, extending from 15 to 100 nautical miles out. This includes the Alaska Peninsula waters and the Aleutian Islands up to 100 nm out.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service advises that individuals should avoid the warning area. Mariners should take immediate action to secure vessels or seek safe harbor before the onset of peak storm conditions.

Expected Conditions

Significant maritime hazards are forecast for the duration of the alert:

• Wind Speeds: Northwest winds are expected to reach 55 knots on Friday, with gusts as high as 70 knots.
• Sea Heights: Average wave heights are forecast to reach 20 feet on Friday.
• Additional Hazards: Freezing spray is expected to develop on Friday.

Timeline

• Thursday Night: Northwest winds increasing to 50 knots after midnight with gusts to 65 knots and 16-foot seas.
• Friday: Peak storm conditions with 55-knot winds, 70-knot gusts, and 20-foot seas.
• Friday Night: North winds diminishing to 40 knots after midnight with 18-foot seas.
• Saturday: Conditions begin to subside with 30-knot winds and 11-foot seas by Saturday morning.