Storm Warning Issued for Cape Edgecumbe to Cape Spencer; Dangerous Seas and 55-Knot Gusts Expected

Source: NOAA · Southeast Alaska Offshore

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NWS Juneau has issued a Storm Warning for offshore waters from Cape Edgecumbe to Cape Spencer, with hazardous seas reaching up to 35 feet expected Thursday morning.

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

This notice was issued by NOAA on February 12, 2026 and geographically references Southeast Alaska Offshore. 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 warning protocol behind it, which shapes what protective action (seeking shelter, following evacuation orders if issued, monitoring official updates) is recommended and which agency holds authority to issue or cancel it.

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

  • Type: Storm Warning
  • Agency: National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK
  • Effective Window: Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM AKST.

Affected Areas

  • Cape Edgecumbe to Cape Spencer from 15 to 80 NM.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate precautions. The National Weather Service recommends that mariners remain in port, alter course, and/or secure their vessels for severe conditions. It is advised to avoid the area during the warning period.

Expected Conditions

A series of hazardous marine conditions are expected through Thursday evening:

  • Storm Warning (6 AM – Noon Thursday): South winds 30 to 40 knots with gusts up to 55 knots. Seas are expected to reach 30 to 35 feet.
  • Gale Warnings:
    • Midnight to 6 AM Thursday: Southeast winds 30 to 35 knots, gusts up to 45 knots, and seas 17 to 22 feet.
    • Noon to 6 PM Thursday: West winds 30 to 40 knots, gusts up to 55 knots, and seas 31 to 36 feet.
  • Small Craft Advisory (Until Midnight Tonight): East winds 20 to 30 knots, gusts up to 35 knots, and seas 10 to 15 feet.

Impacts: Storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility.

Timeline

  • Small Craft Advisory: In effect until midnight AKST tonight.
  • First Gale Warning: Midnight tonight to 6:00 AM AKST Thursday.
  • Storm Warning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM AKST Thursday.
  • Second Gale Warning: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM AKST Thursday.

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?
NWS Juneau has issued a Storm Warning for offshore waters from Cape Edgecumbe to Cape Spencer, with hazardous seas reaching up to 35 feet expected Thursday morning.
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 Southeast Alaska Offshore. 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.