Storm Warning Issued for Sitkinak to Castle Cape Coastal Waters Through Friday Morning

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Southwest Alaska Coastal Waters

The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Storm Warning for coastal waters from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, with winds expected to reach 55 knots and seas up to 13 feet.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK has issued a Storm Warning for the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska. This alert is effective immediately and remains in place through early Friday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the region from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, extending out to 15 nautical miles (NM).

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that mariners and residents in the affected area avoid the coastal waters. The hazardous conditions pose a significant risk to vessels. Ensure all equipment is secured and monitor further updates from the NWS.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly during the warning period:

  • Winds: Northwest winds will increase from 35 knots to 50 knots after midnight on Thursday. By Friday, winds are expected to reach 55 knots.
  • Gusts: Wind gusts are forecast to increase from 50 knots to 65 knots after midnight Thursday.
  • Seas: Wave heights will build from 8 feet on Thursday to 11 feet Thursday night, peaking at 13 feet on Friday.
  • Additional Hazards: Freezing spray is expected starting Thursday and continuing through Thursday night.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is in effect until February 20 at 5:00 AM AKST. Conditions are expected to peak between Thursday night and Friday morning, with winds gradually subsiding to 30 knots by Saturday.

Source: NOAA Official Notice