Storm Warning Issued for Shelikof Strait: Extreme Freezing Spray and 65-Knot Gusts Forecast

Alert Details

A Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage AK. This alert is in effect from Sunday afternoon through early Tuesday morning, specifically addressing hazardous maritime conditions including heavy to extreme freezing spray.

Affected Areas

The primary area affected is the Shelikof Strait. The broader forecast area includes the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nm out, including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

What You Should Do

The NWS response instruction for this event is to Avoid the area. Mariners should be aware that extreme freezing spray may rapidly accumulate on vessels at a rate of 4 cm per hour or greater, which can significantly impact vessel stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate through Monday night:

• Winds: Northwest winds will increase from 40 knots to 50 knots. Gusts out of bays and passes are expected to reach between 55 and 65 knots.
• Seas: Average wave heights will range from 10 to 11 feet.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected tonight. On Monday and Monday night, conditions will escalate to extreme freezing spray with accumulation rates of 4 cm per hour or greater.
• Extended Outlook: Winds are expected to remain at 40 knots on Tuesday with 9-foot seas, subsiding slightly to 30 knots by Tuesday night.

Timeline

• Effective Date: March 15, 2026, at 3:31 PM AKDT
• Storm Warning Peak: Monday night
• Alert Expiration: March 17, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKDT