Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Saint Matthew Island Waters Through Friday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Saint Matthew Island Waters. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with likely certainty, indicating a significant hazard to maritime operations.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic region:

• Saint Matthew Island Waters (Marine Zone PKZ767)

What You Should Do

Official guidance recommends that mariners avoid the affected area. Heavy freezing spray can cause rapid and significant ice accumulation on vessels, which may lead to stability issues and dangerous operating conditions. Residents and operators in the area should monitor the Coastal Waters Forecast for Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

Expected Conditions

According to the National Weather Service, the following conditions are forecast for the Saint Matthew Island Waters:

• Tonight: North winds at 40 knots. Seas in ice-free waters are expected to reach 15 feet. Heavy freezing spray is anticipated.
• Thursday: Northwest winds at 30 knots with seas in ice-free waters at 9 feet. Freezing spray will continue.
• Thursday Night: East of Saint Matthew Island, north winds of 15 knots will become east at 30 knots after midnight. West of Saint Matthew Island, east winds will reach 40 knots. Seas will build from 8 feet to 13 feet after midnight. Snow and heavy freezing spray are expected.
• Friday: East winds at 35 knots with seas in ice-free waters at 13 feet.
• Extended Outlook: From Saturday through Monday, southeast winds of 25 knots and seas of 15 feet are expected in ice-free waters.

Timeline

The warning is effective as of February 11 at 2:19 PM AKST. The period of highest concern for heavy freezing spray begins tonight and is currently scheduled to expire on February 13 at 5:00 AM AKST.