Storm Warning Issued for Sitkinak to Castle Cape: Winds Up to 55 Knots Expected

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Southwest Alaska Coastal Waters

NWS Anchorage has issued a Storm Warning for coastal waters from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, with gusts up to 70 knots and freezing spray expected through Saturday morning.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for specific coastal waters in Southwest Alaska. This alert indicates that severe weather conditions, including high winds and significant wave heights, are imminent in the designated area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This geographic scope includes the Alaska Peninsula Waters and the Aleutian Islands up to 100 nm out.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends that mariners and residents avoid the affected maritime areas. Those in the warning zone should take immediate action to secure vessels and seek safe harbor.

Expected Conditions

  • Winds: Northwest winds are forecast at 50 to 55 knots. Wind gusts are expected to reach 65 knots after midnight tonight and up to 70 knots on Friday.
  • Seas: Sea heights are expected to average between 10 and 12 feet.
  • Additional Hazards: Freezing spray is expected to occur throughout the warning period. Conditions are forecast to diminish by Saturday with winds dropping to 25 knots and seas to 5 feet.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is officially effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, 2026. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist until the warning ends at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Source: NOAA Official Notice