Storm Warning Issued for Southern Chatham Strait; Winds Up to 45 Knots and 32-Foot Seas Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the Southern Chatham Strait. This alert is classified as a severe meteorological event with immediate urgency.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the Southern Chatham Strait, covering Southeast Alaska Inside Waters from Dixon Entrance to Skagway.

What You Should Do

According to the National Weather Service, individuals in the affected maritime areas should avoid the waters during the warning period. Mariners should ensure vessels are secured and monitor further updates from local authorities.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: South winds are expected to increase to 35 knots tonight, reaching speeds of 45 knots on Thursday.
• Seas: Sea heights are forecast to reach 15 feet on Thursday. Near ocean entrances, significantly higher seas of up to 32 feet are expected.
• Precipitation: Rain showers are forecast throughout the event, with a slight chance of thunderstorms beginning late tonight and continuing through Thursday.
• Note on Forecasts: Wind forecasts reflect predominant speed and direction. Sea forecasts represent the average of the highest one-third of the combined windwave and swell height.

Timeline

• Onset: The warning takes effect at 5:00 AM AKST on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• Peak Conditions: Highest winds and seas are expected during the day on Thursday.
• Expiration: The alert is scheduled to end at 5:00 PM AKST on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• Outlook: Conditions are expected to subside Thursday night, with winds diminishing to 10 knots and seas subsiding to 5 feet late.