Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Barren Islands East and Northern Gulf of Alaska

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. This alert is effective from early Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic region affected is the Barren Islands East. The broader forecast area includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nautical miles out, encompassing Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected zones are advised to avoid the warning area. The combination of extreme wind speeds and freezing spray creates hazardous conditions for maritime travel and operations.

Expected Conditions

Severe weather conditions are forecast for the region:

• Wind Speed: Northwest winds starting at 45 to 55 knots tonight, increasing to hurricane-force winds of 65 knots on Wednesday.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to reach 18 feet on Wednesday, subsiding slightly to 16 feet on Wednesday night.
• Precipitation: Snow and snow showers are expected throughout the duration of the alert.
• Hazard: Heavy freezing spray will accumulate on vessels and structures, significantly increasing the risk of instability.

Timeline

The warning onset begins at 5:00 AM AKST on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The alert is scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 26, 2026.