Storm Warning Issued for Southern Lynn Canal; 70-Knot Gusts and Heavy Freezing Spray Forecast

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau has issued a Storm Warning for the Southern Lynn Canal. This alert is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. Additionally, a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning is active for the same period.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Southern Lynn Canal and Southeast Alaska Inside Waters extending from Dixon Entrance to Skagway. Specific impacts are highlighted near Point Couverden.

What You Should Do

Official guidance from the NWS recommends that individuals avoid the affected marine areas. Mariners should seek safe harbor or remain in port until conditions improve, as the combination of extreme winds and freezing spray creates hazardous navigational environments.

Expected Conditions

Significant weather hazards are expected through the weekend:

• Wind: North winds of 40 to 50 knots are forecast. Near Point Couverden, gusts are expected to reach up to 70 knots.
• Seas: Wave heights are expected to reach 17 feet tonight, subsiding slightly to 16 feet on Sunday.
• Freezing Spray: Heavy freezing spray is expected to accumulate on vessels through Sunday night.
• Extended Outlook: Conditions will begin to improve Sunday night as winds diminish to gale force (35 knots) and eventually 20 knots by late evening.

Timeline

• Effective: Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:40 PM AKST
• Expiration: Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM AKST