Storm Warning and Heavy Freezing Spray Warning Issued for West of Barren Islands and Kamishak Bay

Alert Details

A Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. These alerts indicate severe maritime conditions that pose a significant hazard to vessels in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the West of Barren Islands including Kamishak Bay (Zone PKZ730). This area is part of the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast, extending up to 100 nautical miles out.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends that mariners and residents in the affected area avoid the coastal waters. Immediate precautions should be taken to secure vessels and prepare for heavy freezing spray, which can cause significant ice accumulation on decks and superstructures.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. The following conditions are forecast for the warning period:

• Wind Speed: West winds will increase from 30–35 knots to 50 knots after midnight tonight. 50-knot winds are expected to persist through Sunday.
• Sea Heights: Average wave heights will build from 8 feet to 12 feet tonight, peaking at 14 feet on Sunday.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected throughout the duration of the warning.
• Extended Outlook: Winds are expected to remain high through the early part of the week, with Northwest winds of 40–45 knots and seas up to 13 feet forecast for Sunday night and Monday.

Timeline

• Storm Warning Effective: From 5:00 PM AKST Saturday, March 7, until 5:00 PM AKDT Sunday, March 8.
• Heavy Freezing Spray Warning: Effective through Sunday.
• Alert Expiration: The current alert is set to expire at 4:00 PM AKST on March 7, with the storm conditions continuing through the end of the warning period on March 8.