Storm Warning Issued for West of Barren Islands and Kamishak Bay Through Tuesday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, AK, has issued a Storm Warning and a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning for the coastal waters of the Northern Gulf of Alaska. The alert was issued on the afternoon of March 15 and remains in effect until early Tuesday morning.

Affected Areas

The primary geographic area affected is the West of Barren Islands Including Kamishak Bay (Zone PKZ730). This includes coastal waters up to 100 nm out, encompassing regions near Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet.

Expected Conditions

Severe maritime weather conditions are forecast for the region:

• Wind Speeds: Northwest winds of 40 knots are expected tonight, increasing to 50 knots after midnight. These 50-knot storm-force winds are predicted to persist through Monday night.
• Sea State: Significant wave heights are expected to reach 12 feet through Monday night, subsiding slightly to 10 feet by Tuesday.
• Freezing Spray: Extreme freezing spray is forecast at a rate of 4 cm per hour or greater. This condition is expected to cause rapid ice accumulation on vessels.

Timeline

• Onset: The storm conditions and heavy freezing spray are expected to begin in earnest at 5:00 AM AKDT on Monday, March 16.
• Duration: The warning remains in effect until 5:00 AM AKDT on Tuesday, March 17.
• Extended Outlook: Winds are expected to remain high through the week, with 40-knot winds forecast for Wednesday and 35-knot winds on Thursday.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends that mariners avoid the affected area. Extreme freezing spray poses a significant hazard as it can rapidly accumulate on vessels, affecting stability and safety. Mariners should monitor the latest Coastal Waters Forecast for updates.