Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters: 50-Knot Winds and 38-Foot Seas Expected

Alert Details

A Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK. The warning is specifically for marine conditions and is effective starting Thursday morning.

Affected Areas

The primary area affected includes the Southeast Alaska coastal waters from Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision, extending from 15 to 90 nautical miles offshore. The broader forecast area covers coastal waters from Dixon Entrance to Cape Suckling out to 100 nautical miles.

What You Should Do

According to the National Weather Service, the recommended response is to avoid the warning area. Mariners should take necessary precautions to secure vessels or remain in port as conditions will be hazardous to navigation.

Expected Conditions

Significant weather and sea conditions are forecast for the warning period:

• Winds: Southwest storm-force winds are expected to reach 50 knots, with gusts as high as 60 knots. Winds are forecast to diminish to gale force (40 knots) late Thursday.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to reach an average of 38 feet on Thursday. Conditions will begin building tonight, reaching 27 feet late before peaking.
• Precipitation: Rain is expected throughout the duration of the storm.
• Current Conditions: As of Wednesday, winds are SE at 20 knots with 12-foot seas and showers.

Timeline

• Alert Issued: February 11, 2026, at 11:56 AM AKST
• Storm Warning Onset: February 12, 2026, at 5:00 AM AKST
• Warning Expiration: February 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST

Conditions are expected to remain hazardous following the storm, with gale-force winds of 35 knots and 26-foot seas continuing into Thursday night.