Juneau, Alaska – Coastal communities and mariners across Southeast Alaska face hurricane-force winds and massive seas Friday as a powerful storm system churns through the Gulf of Alaska. Wind gusts up to 65 knots and waves topping 40 feet are expected through the afternoon before conditions slowly begin to ease overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Juneau, hurricane-force warnings stretch from Dixon Entrance to Cape Edgecumbe, with the most dangerous conditions occurring Friday morning into early evening. Winds will shift from southeast to southwest as the low center passes, driving seas as high as 43 feet in nearshore waters and up to 42 feet farther offshore.
Ferry service, cargo operations, and small-vessel traffic are expected to be severely impacted. Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port until seas subside. Coastal residents may also experience localized flooding and power interruptions, especially in Sitka, Ketchikan, and surrounding island communities.
By tonight, winds will ease to 25–40 knots, with seas falling into the teens. Showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms remain possible into the weekend.
Warnings are in effect through this evening, with additional advisories possible as the system weakens.
