Storm Warning Issued for Southern Chatham Strait; Wind Gusts Up to 55 Knots Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau, AK, has issued a Storm Warning for the Southern Chatham Strait. This alert is part of a series of escalating marine warnings including a Small Craft Advisory and a Gale Warning. The Storm Warning is specifically effective on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Affected Areas

• Southern Chatham Strait

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate safety precautions. The NWS recommends that mariners remain in port, alter course to avoid the most hazardous areas, and secure all vessels for severe conditions. The expected storm-force winds and hazardous seas are capable of capsizing or damaging vessels and significantly reducing visibility.

Expected Conditions

Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate in stages:

• Storm Warning Conditions: South winds of 45 knots with frequent gusts up to 55 knots. Seas are expected to reach between 16 and 21 feet.
• Gale Warning Conditions: South winds of 35 to 40 knots with gusts up to 50 knots and seas between 14 and 19 feet.
• Small Craft Advisory Conditions: South winds of 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots and seas between 6 and 11 feet.

Timeline

The transition of weather conditions is scheduled as follows:

• Small Craft Advisory: In effect from midnight tonight until 3:00 AM AKST Thursday.
• Gale Warning: In effect from 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM AKST Thursday.
• Storm Warning: In effect from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM AKST Thursday.