Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters Through Friday Afternoon

Alert Details

A Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK. The alert was issued on February 19 at 3:10 PM AKST and is effective through 5:00 PM AKST on Friday, February 20.

Affected Areas

The warning covers Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters from Dixon Entrance to Cape Suckling out 100 NM. Specific geographic descriptions include the area from Cape Fairweather to Icy Cape out to 15 NM.

What You Should Do

Mariners and individuals in the affected coastal zones are advised to avoid the water during the warning period. The NWS indicates an immediate urgency for this observed hazard, recommending a response of “Avoid.”

Expected Conditions

Severe maritime conditions are forecast for the region:

• Winds: Northeast winds are expected to reach 50 knots on Friday, with storm-force winds continuing into Friday night. Gale-force winds between 40 and 45 knots are expected to persist through Saturday and Sunday.
• Seas: Wave heights are forecast to reach 14 feet on Friday, subsiding slightly to 13 feet on Friday night and 12 feet on Saturday.
• Precipitation and Hazards: Snow showers are expected Friday morning. Light freezing spray is forecast for Friday afternoon, with continued freezing spray expected through Saturday night.

Timeline

The Storm Warning onset is scheduled for 5:00 AM AKST on Friday, February 20, and is currently set to expire at 5:00 PM AKST on the same day. Hazardous conditions including gale-force winds and freezing spray are expected to continue through the weekend.