Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for Valdez Arm, Alaska

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Valdez Arm, Alaska

The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Valdez Arm, with 40-knot winds and 7-foot seas expected through Wednesday afternoon.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the Valdez Arm region. This alert is effective starting at 5:00 AM AKDT on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 PM AKDT that evening.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following geographic region:

  • Valdez Arm (PKZ722)

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected coastal areas are advised to avoid travel in these waters. Heavy freezing spray can lead to rapid ice accumulation on vessels, which poses a significant threat to stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

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

  • Wind: Northeast winds at approximately 40 knots.
  • Seas: Average wave heights of 7 feet.
  • Hazards: Heavy freezing spray is likely throughout the day.

Additionally, a Gale Warning is in effect for the same period due to the high wind speeds.

Timeline

  • Warning Onset: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKDT.
  • Warning Expiration: The alert is set to expire at 4:00 PM AKDT, with the event officially ending by 5:00 PM AKDT.
  • Outlook: Conditions are expected to transition to lighter freezing spray Wednesday night as winds decrease to 35 knots and seas subside to 6 feet.

Source: NOAA Official Notice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this weather alerts alert about?
The National Weather Service has issued a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for Valdez Arm, with 40-knot winds and 7-foot seas expected through Wednesday afternoon.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by NOAA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects Valdez Arm, Alaska. Check with NOAA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more weather alerts alerts?
Browse all weather alerts alerts on Areazine at areazine.com/weather/ for the latest updates from NOAA and other agencies.