Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Cape Tolstoi to Cape Sarichef Through Wednesday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska. This alert is in effect alongside a Gale Warning for the region as hazardous maritime conditions develop.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the coastal waters from Cape Tolstoi to Cape Sarichef, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes portions of the Alaska Peninsula waters and the Aleutian Islands.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid the warning area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which can significantly impact vessel stability and create dangerous operating conditions.

Expected Conditions

According to the National Weather Service, the following conditions are expected:

• Tonight: North winds at 45 knots with gusts reaching up to 60 knots out of bays and passes. Seas are expected to be 5 feet with heavy freezing spray.
• Wednesday: North winds at 40 knots with 5-foot seas and continued heavy freezing spray.
• Wednesday Night: Northwest winds diminishing from 30 knots to 20 knots after midnight, with seas dropping to 3 feet and lighter freezing spray.

Timeline

The Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 PM AKDT on Wednesday, March 11. Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday as wind speeds decrease.