Storm Warning Issued for Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather Offshore Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the offshore waters of Southeast Alaska. This alert is part of a sequence of marine warnings including Gale Warnings for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the maritime area from Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather, extending from 15 to 85 nautical miles (NM) offshore.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate precautions to ensure safety. The NWS recommends that mariners remain in port, alter their course to avoid the storm, and/or secure their vessels for severe conditions. Storm force winds and hazardous seas are capable of capsizing or damaging vessels and will significantly reduce visibility.

Expected Conditions

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

• Winds: Northeast winds of 45 knots with gusts reaching up to 55 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights between 11 and 16 feet.
• Visibility: Reduced visibility due to severe wind and sea conditions.

Timeline

The weather event is divided into three distinct phases:

• Initial Gale Warning: In effect until 9:00 PM AKST Friday evening, featuring east winds of 35 to 40 knots and gusts to 50 knots.
• Storm Warning: In effect from 9:00 PM AKST Friday to 3:00 AM AKST Saturday.
• Secondary Gale Warning: In effect from 3:00 AM to 6:00 PM AKST Saturday, with northeast winds of 35 to 40 knots and gusts to 50 knots.