NWS Juneau Issues Storm Warning for Dixon Entrance to Cape Edgecumbe with 38-Foot Seas Expected

Source: NOAA · Coastal Southeast Alaska

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A Storm Warning has been issued for coastal waters near Juneau, Alaska, with southwest winds up to 50 knots and dangerous seas reaching 38 feet expected Thursday.

What this NWS weather alert tells you, and what most readers miss

This notice was issued by NOAA on February 11, 2026 and geographically references Coastal Southeast Alaska. Its severity classification of "high" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken — "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to — Weather Alerts — determines the regulatory framework behind it, which shapes what remedies (refunds, replacements, recalls, evacuations) are available to affected individuals and who holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.

Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to read it as a data point about the issuing system: how quickly NOAA detected the hazard, how precise the geographic or product-identifier scope is, and whether similar notices have clustered in the same category or region in the last 90 days. Cluster patterns frequently precede a broader regulatory action — a single localized NWS weather alert is isolated; three of them within a quarter often indicate a supply-chain, infrastructure, or seasonal driver that will keep producing notices until something structural changes.

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Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Juneau has issued a Storm Warning for coastal waters in Southeast Alaska. This alert is part of a progressive weather event that includes a Small Craft Advisory and a Gale Warning. The Storm Warning is specifically effective on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following maritime regions out to 15 nautical miles:

  • Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision
  • Cape Decision to Cape Edgecumbe

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to take immediate precautions. The National Weather Service recommends that mariners remain in port, alter course to avoid the storm's path, and secure vessels for severe conditions. Storm-force winds and hazardous seas are expected to capsize or damage vessels and will significantly reduce visibility.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are forecast to intensify through Thursday:

  • Storm Warning Conditions: Southwest winds of 50 knots with gusts reaching 60 knots. Seas are expected to build to heights between 33 and 38 feet.
  • Gale Warning Conditions: South winds 35 to 45 knots with gusts up to 55 knots. Seas are expected to range from 18 to 23 feet.
  • Small Craft Advisory Conditions: Southeast winds 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots. Seas are expected to be between 9 and 14 feet.

Timeline

The weather event will occur in three distinct phases:

  • Small Craft Advisory: In effect until midnight AKST Wednesday night, February 11.
  • Gale Warning: In effect from midnight Wednesday night to 6:00 AM AKST Thursday, February 12.
  • Storm Warning: In effect from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM AKST Thursday, February 12.

Original source: NOAA Official Notice ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this NWS weather alert.

What is this NWS weather alert about?
A Storm Warning has been issued for coastal waters near Juneau, Alaska, with southwest winds up to 50 knots and dangerous seas reaching 38 feet expected Thursday.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by NOAA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects Coastal Southeast Alaska. Check with NOAA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more Weather Alerts updates?
Browse the full Weather Alerts feed on Areazine at areazine.com/weather/ for the latest updates from NOAA and other agencies.