Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters; 50-Knot Winds and 39-Foot Seas Forecast

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters

NWS Juneau has issued a Storm Warning for coastal waters between Dixon Entrance and Cape Decision, effective through Thursday afternoon as extreme marine conditions develop.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued a Storm Warning for Southeast Alaska coastal waters. The alert was issued on February 11 at 2:15 PM AKST and remains in effect until 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, February 12.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision from 15 to 90 NM. The broader forecast area includes Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters from Dixon Entrance to Cape Suckling out to 100 NM.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents are advised to avoid the affected coastal waters during the warning period. The National Weather Service recommends taking immediate action to protect life and property at sea.

Expected Conditions

Extreme marine conditions are forecast for the region:

  • Thursday: Southwest winds are expected to reach 50 knots with seas as high as 39 feet. Showers are likely.
  • Tonight: South winds will increase from 20 knots to 45 knots, with seas building from 12 feet to 27 feet.
  • Thursday Night: Southwest winds will diminish from 30 knots to 20 knots late, with seas subsiding from 26 feet to 19 feet.
  • Extended Outlook: Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through the weekend, with seas remaining between 11 and 18 feet through Sunday.

Timeline

The Storm Warning is effective immediately. The most severe conditions, including peak wind speeds and maximum wave heights, are expected on Thursday, February 12. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday.