Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters; 37-Foot Seas Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for Southeast Alaska coastal waters. The alert is officially effective starting at 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the coastal waters from Cape Decision to Cape Edgecumbe out to 15 nautical miles. The broader forecast discussion includes Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters from Dixon Entrance to Cape Suckling out 100 nautical miles.

What You Should Do

Residents and mariners are advised to avoid the affected coastal waters during the warning period. The NWS recommends taking immediate precautions to secure vessels and property against extreme wind and wave action.

Expected Conditions

Dangerous marine conditions are forecast for the duration of the alert:

• Winds: Southwest storm force winds are expected to reach 50 knots, with gusts as high as 60 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights are forecast to reach an average of 37 feet for the highest one-third of combined windwave and swell height.
• Precipitation: Rain is expected throughout the day on Thursday.
• Preceding Conditions: On Wednesday night, winds are expected to increase to a south gale of 40 knots with seas building from 15 to 22 feet.

Timeline

• Onset: The storm force conditions are expected to begin Thursday, February 12, at 5:00 AM AKST.
• Duration: The Storm Warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday.
• Post-Alert Outlook: Conditions are expected to subside to a southwest gale of 35 knots with 27-foot seas on Thursday night, followed by 15-knot winds and 14-foot seas on Friday.