Storm Warning Issued for Valdez Arm: Dangerous Winds and Freezing Spray Expected

Alert Details

A Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK. The alert is currently in effect and is scheduled to remain active through the afternoon of Friday, February 20, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Valdez Arm region (PKZ722) within the Northern Gulf of Alaska coast.

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that individuals avoid the affected coastal waters. Mariners should take necessary precautions to secure vessels and avoid travel in these hazardous conditions due to the immediate threat posed by the storm.

Expected Conditions

According to the Coastal Waters Forecast, the following conditions are expected for the Valdez Arm today:

• Wind: Northeast winds reaching speeds of 50 knots.
• Seas: Average wave heights of 10 feet.
• Additional Hazards: Freezing spray is expected throughout the day.

Conditions are forecast to remain hazardous into the evening, with winds decreasing slightly to 45 knots and seas to 9 feet tonight, accompanied by continued freezing spray.

Timeline

• Effective: February 20, 2026, at 4:33 AM AKST
• Onset: February 20, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST
• Expiration: February 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST