Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alaska Coastal Waters; Winds Up to 65 Knots Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau AK has issued a Storm Warning for specific coastal waters in Southeast Alaska. This alert follows a progression of hazardous marine conditions including a Small Craft Advisory and a Gale Warning currently in effect for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following offshore regions:

• Dixon Entrance to Cape Decision: From 15 to 90 NM offshore.
• Cape Decision to Cape Edgecumbe: From 15 to 80 NM offshore.

What You Should Do

Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port. Those already at sea should alter course to avoid the most severe conditions and ensure their vessels are properly secured for extreme wind and wave action. Storm-force winds and hazardous seas are capable of capsizing or damaging vessels and will significantly reduce visibility.

Expected Conditions

Conditions are expected to intensify through three distinct phases:

• Small Craft Advisory Phase: South winds 20 to 30 knots with seas 10 to 15 feet.
• Gale Warning Phase: South winds 35 to 45 knots with gusts up to 60 knots and seas 15 to 20 feet.
• Storm Warning Phase: South winds 40 to 50 knots with gusts reaching 65 knots. Seas are expected to build to 23 to 25 feet.

Timeline

• Small Craft Advisory: Effective until 6:00 PM AKST Wednesday, February 11.
• Gale Warning: Effective from 6:00 PM AKST Wednesday to 3:00 AM AKST Thursday, February 12.
• Storm Warning: Effective from 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM AKST Thursday, February 12.