Storm Warning Issued for Yakutat Bay: Heavy Freezing Spray and 55-Knot Winds Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK has issued a Storm Warning for Yakutat Bay. This alert is effective immediately and remains in place through early Saturday morning. Additionally, a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning has been issued for this evening through late tonight.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the coastal waters of Yakutat Bay (PKZ053).

What You Should Do

According to the National Weather Service, the recommended response is to avoid the area. Mariners should take immediate action to secure vessels and ensure safety equipment is accessible given the severe wind and freezing spray conditions.

Expected Conditions

• Winds: Northeast winds are expected to reach 50 knots today, increasing to 55 knots tonight. On Saturday, northeast gales of 45 knots are expected with gusts reaching up to 60 knots.
• Seas: Average wave heights of 11 feet are forecast for today, subsiding slightly to 10 feet tonight and 9 feet on Saturday.
• Freezing Spray: Light freezing spray is expected today. Conditions will escalate to heavy freezing spray tonight. Light freezing spray is forecast to continue through Saturday night.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is effective as of February 20 at 3:22 AM AKST and is expected to end at 5:00 AM AKST on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Winds are expected to begin subsiding to 30 knots by Sunday and 20 knots by Monday.