A Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is in effect for the Central US Arctic Offshore waters north of Alaska.
Shifting winds and cold air are combining to coat vessels in ice from tonight through early Wednesday.
The National Weather Service office in Fairbanks issued the warning as part of its offshore waters forecast for the Arctic.
A Shift From South to North Winds
Southwest winds of 25 knots and seas of 7 feet are expected today, bringing moderate freezing spray.
Tonight, winds ease to 20 knots before swinging around to the north after midnight, with snow moving in during the evening.
Freezing spray is expected to intensify to heavy as the wind shift takes hold.
The heavy freezing spray continues Wednesday with north winds around 20 knots and seas holding at 7 feet.
Conditions ease Wednesday night, with winds dropping to 15 knots, seas to 6 feet, and freezing spray falling back to moderate.
By Thursday, winds turn northeast at 10 knots with seas down to 5 feet, and the freezing spray threat clears entirely heading into the weekend.
Part of a Broader Cold Pattern
The marine warning comes as a cooler, more active pattern settles over northern and interior Alaska.
NWS Fairbanks has been tracking rounds of rain and snow moving through the region, with snow levels dropping toward the ground in the Central and Eastern Interior.
Farther north and east, forecasters say the Brooks Range and Isabel Pass could see significant snow accumulation through the end of the week as the same cold air mass settles in.
Why Freezing Spray Matters
Freezing spray occurs when cold seawater splashes onto a vessel and freezes on contact, building up ice on the deck, rigging and superstructure.
Heavy accumulation can add significant weight to a boat, affecting its stability and making it top-heavy.
Mariners operating in the Arctic offshore waters are urged to monitor conditions closely and be prepared to remove ice buildup as it accumulates.
Safety Reminders
Vessels in the warned area should have de-icing equipment ready and avoid unnecessary time on deck during the heaviest spray periods tonight into Wednesday.
Mariners should also watch for the wind shift from southwest to north overnight, which can quickly change sea conditions in the warned zone.
For live updates, follow NWS Fairbanks on X.
