Storm Warning Issued for Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather; Winds Up to 50 Knots Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK has issued a Storm Warning (SRW) for the coastal waters of Southeast Alaska. This severe alert is part of a progression of marine hazards including Small Craft Advisories and Gale Warnings. The Storm Warning specifically covers the period of peak intensity early Thursday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning is in effect for the marine zone from Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather, extending out to 15 nautical miles (NM).

What You Should Do

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

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions in the affected area will vary as the system moves through:

• Storm Warning Period: East winds of 35 to 45 knots with gusts up to 50 knots. Seas are expected to reach 10 to 14 feet.
• Gale Warning Periods: Winds of 30 to 40 knots with gusts up to 45 knots. During the second Gale Warning, seas are expected to build to 13 to 17 feet.
• Small Craft Advisory Period: Southwest winds of 20 to 30 knots with gusts to 35 knots and seas of 8 to 13 feet.

Timeline

The sequence of alerts for Cape Spencer to Cape Fairweather is as follows:

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect until 9:00 PM AKST Wednesday evening.
• Gale Warning (First): From 9:00 PM Wednesday to midnight AKST tonight.
• Storm Warning: From midnight tonight to 3:00 AM AKST Thursday, February 12.
• Gale Warning (Second): From 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM AKST Thursday, February 12.