Storm Warning Issued for Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Juneau, Alaska, has issued a Storm Warning for the coastal waters of Southeast Alaska. This severe weather alert is part of a series of marine warnings including Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings currently in effect for the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the coastal waters from Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather, extending out to 15 nautical miles.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to take immediate safety precautions. The NWS advises that mariners should remain in port, alter course to avoid the most severe conditions, and/or secure their vessels. The expected conditions pose a significant risk to maritime safety.

Expected Conditions

During the peak of the storm, the following conditions are anticipated:

• Winds: Northeast winds between 30 to 40 knots, with gusts reaching up to 55 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to range from 7 to 11 feet.
• Hazards: Storm-force winds and hazardous seas are likely to capsize or damage vessels and significantly reduce visibility for navigation.

Timeline

The region will experience a progression of hazardous conditions through Saturday morning:

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 6:00 AM AKST Friday morning (east winds 20-25 kt, gusts to 35 kt, seas 8-11 ft).
• First Gale Warning: In effect from 6:00 AM Friday to midnight AKST Friday night (northeast winds 30-40 kt, gusts to 55 kt, seas 7-12 ft).
• Storm Warning: In effect from midnight Friday night to 3:00 AM AKST Saturday (northeast winds 30-40 kt, gusts to 55 kt, seas 7-11 ft).
• Second Gale Warning: In effect from 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM AKST Saturday (northeast winds 30-40 kt, gusts to 55 kt, seas 7-10 ft).