Storm Warning Issued for Sitkinak to Castle Cape Waters; Extreme Freezing Spray Expected

Alert Details

A Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK. The warning is specifically in effect for the coastal waters of Southwest Alaska, including the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands regions.

Affected Areas

The primary area of concern is the coastal waters from Sitkinak to Castle Cape, extending out to 15 nautical miles. This includes Bristol Bay and the surrounding Alaska Peninsula waters.

What You Should Do

Mariners and vessel operators are advised to avoid the warning area. The NWS response instruction is to avoid these waters due to hazardous conditions. Extreme freezing spray can rapidly accumulate on vessels, creating a significant risk to stability and safety.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly over the next 24 to 48 hours:

• Winds: Northwest winds will increase from 40 knots today to 50 knots by Monday. Gusts up to 60 knots are expected out of bays and passes.
• Seas: Wave heights will build from 7 feet today to 10 feet by Monday.
• Freezing Spray: Extreme freezing spray is forecast to accumulate at a rate of 4 cm per hour or greater starting tonight and continuing through Monday.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is specifically effective from 5:00 AM AKDT on Monday, March 16, through 5:00 PM AKDT on Monday. However, hazardous conditions including high winds and freezing spray are expected to persist from Sunday night through Wednesday, with winds remaining at 45 knots through midweek.