Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters: 50-Knot Winds and 36-Foot Seas Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for Southeast Alaska coastal waters. This alert is an actual, immediate-urgency message regarding observed severe meteorological conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision out to 15 NM. The broader forecast area includes Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters from Dixon Entrance to Cape Suckling out 100 NM.

What You Should Do

Official guidance for this alert is to avoid the affected maritime areas. Mariners should take necessary precautions to secure vessels or remain in port as storm-force conditions develop.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly through Thursday:

• Winds: Southwest storm-force winds are forecast to reach speeds of 50 knots on Thursday.
• Seas: Average heights of the highest one-third of waves are expected to reach 36 feet on Thursday.
• Precipitation: Rain is expected throughout the warning period.
• Preceding Conditions: Tonight, south winds will increase to 40 knots with seas building to 22 feet.

Timeline

• Onset: The Storm Warning takes effect at 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• Duration: The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• Outlook: Conditions are expected to begin subsiding Thursday night, with winds dropping to 35 knots and seas to 26 feet, followed by further improvement through the weekend.