Winter Weather Advisory
...ACCUMULATING SNOW ACROSS THE PANHANDLE TO END THE WEEK...
.A front continues to move across the panhandle, with additional
onshore flow behind the front generating snow showers. The
highest snow accumulations are still expected along the outer
coast with orographic enhancement. A secondary batch of heavier
showers has begun to develop along the NE gulf coast and is
anticipated to progress southward as a deformation band
associated with the surface low tonight into Friday. For inland
areas, snow is expected to be light and fluffy in nature due to
cold temperatures both aloft and down to the surface. Coastal
communities will likely see wetter snow due to slightly warming
surface temperatures through the day.
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.
* WHERE...Petersburg Borough, Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu
Island and City and Borough of Wrangell.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Friday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A secondary batch of heavier showers
remains possible as the surface low drops southward in the gulf
today.
From: Feb 20, 2026 11:50
Until: Feb 20, 2026 15:00
Winter Weather Advisory
...ACCUMULATING SNOW ACROSS THE PANHANDLE TO END THE WEEK...
.A front continues to move across the panhandle, with additional
onshore flow behind the front generating snow showers. The
highest snow accumulations are still expected along the outer
coast with orographic enhancement. A secondary batch of heavier
showers has begun to develop along the NE gulf coast and is
anticipated to progress southward as a deformation band
associated with the surface low tonight into Friday. For inland
areas, snow is expected to be light and fluffy in nature due to
cold temperatures both aloft and down to the surface. Coastal
communities will likely see wetter snow due to slightly warming
surface temperatures through the day.
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.
* WHERE...Petersburg Borough, Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu
Island and City and Borough of Wrangell.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Friday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A secondary batch of heavier showers
remains possible as the surface low drops southward in the gulf
Friday.
From: Feb 20, 2026 04:02
Until: Feb 20, 2026 12:15
Freezing Fog Advisory
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in freezing fog.
* WHERE...Glacier Bay, Eastern Chichagof Island, Admiralty
Island, Petersburg Borough and Western Kupreanof Island and
Kuiu Island.
* WHEN...Until noon AKST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility
and potential frost on bridges.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With temperatures at or below freezing, a
Freezing Fog Advisory has been issued in replacement of the
Dense Fog Advisory. FAA webcams and observations in the area
show visibilities ranging between one quarter and three quarter
miles near Gustavus, Tenakee Springs, Angoon and Petersburg.
From: Jan 20, 2026 02:23
Until: Jan 20, 2026 10:30
Dense Fog Advisory
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.
* WHERE...Glacier Bay, Eastern Chichagof Island, Admiralty
Island, City and Borough of Juneau, Petersburg Borough,
Western Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island and City and Borough
of Wrangell.
* WHEN...Until noon AKST today.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Patchy areas of freezing fog will
possible, which could result in slick spots on untreated
surfaces.
From: Jan 19, 2026 11:00
Until: Jan 19, 2026 21:00
Special Weather Statement
Another fast moving and wet system is expected for Tuesday into
Tuesday night, bringing more moderate to heavy rain and strong
winds. Total rainfall amounts will be around 1 to 3 inches, with
gusty winds up to 65 mph possible during the event. The heaviest
rainfall rates will occur during the morning and afternoon hours,
tapering off during the evening hours. Strongest wind gusts will
follow the heaviest rain, occurring during the late afternoon into
the evening hours, then tapering off overnight. Additionally,
freezing levels will be rising to 4000 to 6000 ft on Tuesday,
leading to additional snowmelt. Expect rapid rises on smaller area
rivers and streams Tuesday into Tuesday night, but we are not
expecting flooding at this time. Winds and rain will continue to
diminish through the day Wednesday.
From: Jan 12, 2026 23:43
Until: Jan 14, 2026 01:30
High Wind Warning
* WHAT...Southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
expected.
* WHERE...City and Borough of Sitka, Petersburg Borough, Western
Kupreanof Island and Kuiu Island including Kake, Prince of
Wales Island, City and Borough of Wrangell, Ketchikan Gateway
Borough, and Annette Island.
* WHEN...From noon Tuesday to 6 AM AKST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...High winds will blow around unsecured objects and
may damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be
difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong, quick moving system, is going to
push through the Gulf of Alaska Tuesday into Wednesday. This low
will allow for winds to quickly increase Tuesday afternoon,
first over southern portions of the panhandle then moving
northward. Currently, the strongest wind gusts are most likely
from 3 pm to 9 pm Tuesday. This timing can change as the system
moves closer. Confidence has increased in the system bringing
very strong wind gusts to 65 mph, but stronger gusts could
occur if the low tracks closer to the panhandle.
From: Jan 13, 2026 00:12
Until: Jan 13, 2026 08:15
winter storm
Atmospheric river brings heavy rain following a significant period of heavy snow and freezing rain.
Where:
North Coast - Inland including Stewart.
What and when:
36 cm total snow accumulation last night and this morning
4 hours of freezing rain this afternoon
30 to 50 mm of rain continues through Saturday
Southerly winds gusts 30 to 50 km/h are possible tonight
Remarks: An atmospheric river continues to impact the North Coast tonight bringing significant precipitation.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate. Travel will likely be challenging.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
From: Jan 10, 2026 01:56
Until: Jan 10, 2026 17:56
winter storm
Atmospheric river brings significant snow followed by rain.
Where:
North Coast - Inland including Stewart.
What and when:
-30 to 40 cm total snow accumulation by this afternoon
-30 to 50 mm of rain this afternoon through Saturday night
-Risk of freezing rain late this morning to early afternoon today
-Southerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h this afternoon and tonight
Remarks: An atmospheric river continues to impact the North Coast today bringing significant precipitation over a 36 hour period. Temperatures are cold enough that heavy snowfall continues this morning. Precipitation will transition to rain this afternoon and remain as rain through the weekend. A brief risk of freezing rain is possible during the transition. 25 cm of snow was received overnight and a further 10 cm this morning. Another 5 cm is possible from late this morning until the precipitation turns to rain.
Strong, gusty southerly winds may funnel up the fjord this afternoon and tonight.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate. Travel will likely be challenging.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
From: Jan 09, 2026 18:57
Until: Jan 10, 2026 10:57
winter storm
Atmospheric river brings significant snow followed by rain.
Where:
North Coast - Inland including Stewart.
What and when:
-15 to 25 cm of snow accumulation by this afternoon
-30 to 50 mm of rain this afternoon through Saturday night
-Risk of freezing rain late this morning to early afternoon today
-Southerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h this afternoon and tonight
Remarks: An atmospheric river continues to impact the North Coast today bringing significant precipitation over a 36 hour period. Temperatures are cold enough that heavy snowfall continues this morning. Precipitation will transition to rain this afternoon and remain as rain through the weekend. A brief risk of freezing rain is possible during the transition.
Strong, gusty southerly winds may funnel up the fjord this afternoon and tonight.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate. Travel will likely be challenging.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
From: Jan 09, 2026 12:06
Until: Jan 10, 2026 04:06
winter storm
Atmospheric river brings significant snow followed by rain.
Where:
North Coast - Inland including Stewart.
What and when:
-15 to 25 cm of snow beginning tonight through Friday afternoon
-20 to 40 mm of rain Friday afternoon through Saturday night
-Risk of freezing rain near noon on Friday
-Southerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h late Friday
Remarks: An atmospheric river makes landfall on the North Coast this evening bringing significant precipitation over a 36 hour period. Temperatures are cold enough that heavy snowfall is forecast beginning tonight through mid to late Friday afternoon. Precipitation will transition to rain for the remainder of the event with up to 40 mm expected. A brief risk of freezing rain is possible during the transition.
Strong, gusty southerly winds may funnel up the fjord late Friday.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate. Travel will likely be challenging.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
From: Jan 09, 2026 09:52
Until: Jan 10, 2026 01:52
Flood Watch
An atmospheric river with multiple surges of moisture has started
to push into the panhandle as of early Friday morning and is
expected to continue through Friday, lasting into early Saturday
morning. Precipitation is expected to start as snow for many areas,
but will be transitioning to rain for area near sea level up to
around Icy Strait and Juneau into Friday morning and at the latest
overnight Friday into Saturday for the far northern inner channels
of the panhandle. As of 4am Friday, the southern panhandle has begun
to swap over to rain. Moving northward, the Icy Strait changeover is
expected during the morning hours of Friday, and Friday evening at
the latest for Haines and Skagway. With this transition, snow levels
are expected to rapidly increase to 2500 ft or greater in the
southern half of the panhandle through Friday. For Haines and
Skagway, it is possible to only reach around 1000 ft. Total rainfall
amounts from late Thursday night through Friday night may range
around 3.0 to 4.5 inches extreme southern panhandle, including
Ketchikan and Metlakatla, 2.0-3.5 inches for the central inner
channels including Petersburg, Wrangell, and Kake, 2.0 to 3.5 inches
for the Icy Strait corridor including Juneau, and 1.0 to 1.5 inches
for the far northern inner channels near sea level.
Furthermore, any snowfall accumulations on areas cleared of the deep
snow pack, such as sidewalks or roadways, may cause additional
runoff from melting snow. Currently expecting the snowpack to absorb
most rainfall from this weekend system and produce minimal runoff in
the northern half of the panhandle with a deep sea level snowpack.
Therefore, snow, ice, or other debris could potentially blocking
storm drains and allow for ponding of rain and snowmelt in areas
that they normally would not collect, such as roadways.
Rain for sea level areas is expected to continue into the weekend,
with a series of fronts to push more moisture over the area. Early
indication of an additional 1.5-2.5 inches of rain for the southern
panhandle, 1.0 to 2.0 inches for the central panhandle and Icy
Strait, and up to 1.5 inches of rain near Haines and Skagway.
Details for how this will interact with the existing snowpack and
when it will be primed and begin to runoff is still unknown at this
time. Stay tuned for more information.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...The following areas, Prince of Wales, Eastern Gulf Coast,
Southern Inner Channels and Central Inner Channels. This includes
the cities of Sitka, Petersburg, Kake, Port Alexander, Craig,
Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Ketchikan,
Hyder, And Metlakatla.
* WHEN...From 9 AM AKST this morning through Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations.
Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris or snow.
Increased risk of possible isolated landslides.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- An atmospheric river is forecast to impact the panhandle
through Friday night. The Southern and Central panhandle may
start out as snow, but is expected to switch to rain late
Thursday night. Around 2 to 4.5 inches with possibly locally
higher amounts, particularly near Ketchikan and Metlakatla,
of rain is across the central and southern panhandle Thursday
night through Friday night. An additional 1.0 to 2.0 inches
of rain for the central panhandle and 1.5 to 2.5 for the
extreme southern panhandle is possible on Saturday. Areas
with a preexisting snowpack, both from recent accumulations
as well as the deep, previous snowpack, may have additional
runoff. Gusty winds at sea level ranging from 40 to 60 mph
are likely along the southern panhandle through Friday night.
This combination of weather hazards could lead to possible
isolated landslides along steep slopes. Conditions for the
possibility of flooding and possible isolated landslides will
be maximize Friday evening and decrease by Saturday morning.
Stream flows in rivers may quickly rise and may exceed flood
levels.
This atmospheric river has the possibility to extend through
the weekend with additional rainfall Sunday.
From: Jan 09, 2026 12:55
Until: Jan 10, 2026 01:00
Flood Watch
An atmospheric river with multiple surges of moisture is expected to
arrive across the panhandle starting late Thursday night and lasting
through early Saturday morning. Precipitation is expected to start
as snow for many areas, but will be transitioning to rain for area
near sea level up to around Icy Strait and Juneau into Friday
morning and at the latest overnight Friday into Saturday for the far
northern inner channels of the panhandle. Southern panhandle is
expected to switch over first Thursday night, Icy Strait during the
morning hours of Friday, and Friday evening at the latest for Haines
and Skagway. With the transition, snow levels are expected to
rapidly increase to 2500 ft or greater in the southern half of the
panhandle. For Haines and Skagway, it is possible to only reach
around 1000 ft. Total rainfall amounts from late Thursday night
through Friday night may range around 3.0 to 4.5 inches extreme
southern panhandle, including Ketchikan and Metlakatla, 2.0-3.5
inches for the central inner channels including Petersburg,
Wrangell, and Kake, 2.0 to 3.5 inches for the Icy Strait corridor
including Juneau, and 1.0 to 1.5 inches for the far northern inner
channels near sea level.
Furthermore, any snowfall accumulations on areas cleared of the deep
snow pack, such as sidewalks or roadways, may cause additional
runoff from melting snow. Currently expecting the snowpack to absorb
most rainfall from this weekend system and produce minimal runoff in
the northern half of the panhandle with a deep sea level snowpack.
Therefore, snow, ice, or other debris could potentially blocking
storm drains and allow for ponding of rain and snowmelt in areas
that they normally would not collect, such as roadways.
Rain for sea level areas is expected to continue into the weekend,
with a series of fronts to push more moisture over the area. Early
indication of an additional 1.5-2.5 inches of rain for the southern
panhandle, 1.0 to 2.0 inches for the central panhandle and Icy
Strait, and up to 1.5 inches of rain near Haines and Skagway.
Details for how this will interact with the existing snowpack and
when it will be primed and begin to runoff is still unknown at this
time. Stay tuned for more information.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...The following areas, Prince of Wales, Eastern Gulf Coast,
Southern Inner Channels and Central Inner Channels. This includes
the cities of Sitka, Petersburg, Kake, Port Alexander, Craig,
Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Ketchikan,
Hyder, And Metlakatla.
* WHEN...From Friday morning through Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations.
Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris or snow.
Increased risk of possible isolated landslides.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- An atmospheric river is forecast to impact the panhandle late
Thursday night into Friday night. The Southern and Central
panhandle may start out as snow, but is expected to switch to
rain late Thursday night. Around 2 to 4.5 inches with
possibly locally higher amounts, particularly near Ketchikan
and Metlakatla, of rain is across the central and southern
panhandle Thursday night through Friday night. An additional
1.0 to 2.0 inches of rain for the central panhandle and 1.5
to 2.5 for the extreme southern panhandle is possible on
Saturday. Areas with a preexisting snowpack, both from recent
accumulations as well as the deep, previous snowpack, may
have additional runoff. Gusty winds at sea level ranging from
40 to 60 mph are likely along the southern panhandle through
Friday night. This combination of weather hazards could lead
to possible isolated landslides along steep slopes.
Conditions for the possibility of flooding and possible
isolated landslides will be maximize Friday evening and
decrease by Saturday morning. Stream flows in rivers may
quickly rise and may exceed flood levels.
This atmospheric river has the possibility to extend through
the weekend with additional rainfall Sunday.
From: Jan 09, 2026 01:31
Until: Jan 09, 2026 13:45
winter storm
Atmospheric river brings significant snow followed by rain.
Where: North Coast - Inland including Stewart.
What and when:
-15 to 25 cm of snow beginning tonight through Friday afternoon
-20 to 40 mm of rain Friday afternoon through Saturday night
-Risk of freezing rain near noon on Friday
-Southerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h late Friday
Remarks: An atmospheric river makes landfall on the North Coast this evening bringing significant precipitation over a 36 hour period. Temperatures are cold enough that heavy snowfall is forecast beginning tonight through mid to late Friday afternoon. Precipitation will transition to rain for the remainder of the event with up to 40 mm expected. A brief risk of freezing rain is possible during the transition.
Strong, gusty southerly winds may funnel up the fjord late Friday.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate. Travel will likely be challenging.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
From: Jan 08, 2026 19:11
Until: Jan 09, 2026 11:11
Flood Watch
An atmospheric river is expected to arrive across the panhandle
starting late Thursday night and lasting through early Saturday
morning. Precipitation is expected to start as snow for many areas,
but will be transitioning to rain for many sea level areas into
Friday. Southern panhandle is expected to switch over first Thursday
night, Icy Strait during the morning hours of Friday, and Friday
evening at the lastest for Haines and Skagway. Total rainfall
amounts from late Thursday night through Friday night may range
around 3.0 to 4.5 inches extreme southern panhandle, including
Ketchikan and Metlakatla, 2.0-3.5 inches for the central inner
channels including Petersburg, Wrangell, and Kake, 2.0-3.5 inches
for the Icy Strait corridor including Juneau, and 1.0 to 1.5 inches
for the northern panhandle near sea level.
Furthermore, any snowfall accumulations on areas cleared of the deep
snow pack, such as sidewalks or roadways, may cause additional
runoff from melting snow. Currently expecting the snowpack to absorb
most rainfall from this weekend system and produce minimal runoff.
Therefore, snow, ice, or other debris could potentially blocking
storm drains and allow for ponding of rain and snowmelt in areas
that they normally would not collect, such as roadways.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...The following areas, Prince of Wales, Eastern Gulf Coast,
Southern Inner Channels and Central Inner Channels. This includes
the cities of Sitka, Petersburg, Kake, Port Alexander, Craig,
Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Ketchikan,
Hyder, And Metlakatla.
* WHEN...From Friday morning through Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations.
Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris or snow.
Increased risk of possible isolated landslides.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- An atmospheric river is forecast to impact the panhandle late
Thursday night into Friday night. The Southern and Central
panhandle may start out as snow, but is expected to switch to
rain late Thursday night. Around 2 to 4.5 inches with
possibly locally higher amounts, particularly near Ketchikan
and Metlakatla, of rain is across the central and southern
panhandle Thursday night through Friday night. Some areas may
still have some snow around which could increase the
possibility of flooding in those areas as it melts. Gusty
winds at sea level ranging from 40 to 60 mph are also
possible along the southern panhandle Friday. This
combination of weather hazards could lead to possible
isolated landslides along steep slopes. Stream flows in
rivers may quickly rise and reach bankful levels.
There is also a possibility of more moderate to heavy rain
later in the weekend as a series of further systems may
impact the watch area.
From: Jan 08, 2026 19:58
Until: Jan 09, 2026 08:45
winter storm
Atmospheric river brings significant snow followed by rain.
Where: North Coast - Inland including Stewart
What and when:
-25 to 35 cm of snow beginning tonight through Friday afternoon
-40 to 50 mm of rain Friday afternoon through Saturday morning
-risk of freezing rain near noon on Friday
-southerly winds of 30 to 50 km/h gusting to 70 late Friday
Remarks: An atmospheric river makes landfall on the North Coast this evening bringing significant precipitation over a 36 hour period. Temperatures are cold enough that heavy snowfall is forecast beginning tonight through mid to late Friday afternoon. Precipitation will transition to rain for the remainder of the event with up to 50 mm expected. A brief risk of freezing rain is possible during the transition.
Strong, gusty southerly winds will funnel up the fjord late Friday and may result in power outages.
###
Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate. Travel will likely be challenging.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #BCStorm.
For more information about the alerting program, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather/weather-alerts/colour-coded-alerts.
From: Jan 08, 2026 14:04
Until: Jan 09, 2026 06:04
Flood Watch
An atmospheric river is expected to arrive across the panhandle
starting late Thursday night and lasting through early Saturday
morning. Precipitation is expected to start as snow for many areas,
but will be transitioning to rain for many sea level areas into
Friday. Southern panhandle is expected to switch over first Thursday
night with the central and northern inner channels switching to rain
sometime Friday morning. Total rainfall amounts from late Thursday
night through Friday night may range around 1 to 4 inches. In
addition, there is a very deep snow pack in place in the northern
and central panhandle that is potentially blocking storm drains and
generally allowing for ponding of rain and snowmelt in areas that
they normally would not collect.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...The following areas, Prince of Wales, Eastern Gulf Coast,
Southern Inner Channels and Central Inner Channels. This includes
the cities of Sitka, Petersburg, Kake, Port Alexander, Craig,
Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Ketchikan,
Hyder, And Metlakatla.
* WHEN...From Friday morning through Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations.
Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris or snow.
Increased risk of possible isolated landslides.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- An atmospheric river is forecast to impact the panhandle late
Thursday night into Friday night. The Southern and Central
panhandle may start out as snow, but is expected to switch to
rain late Thursday night. Around 2 to 4 inches with possibly
locally higher amounts of rain is across the central and
southern panhandle Thursday night through Friday night. Some
areas may still have some snow around which could increase
the possibility of flooding in those areas as it melts. Gusty
winds at sea level ranging from 40 to 60 mph are also
possible along the southern panhandle Friday. This
combination of weather hazards could lead to increased risk
possible isolated landslides along steep slopes. Stream flows
in rivers may quickly rise and reach bankful levels.
There is also a possibility of more moderate to heavy rain
later in the weekend as a series of further systems may
impact the watch area.
From: Jan 08, 2026 07:50
Until: Jan 08, 2026 20:00
Flood Watch
An atmospheric river is expected to arrive across the panhandle
starting late Thursday night and lasting through early Saturday
morning. Precipitation is expected to start as snow for many areas,
but will be transitioning to rain for many sea level areas into
Friday. Southern panhandle is expected to switch over first Thursday
night with the central and northern inner channels switching to rain
sometime Friday morning. Total rainfall amounts from late Thursday
night through Friday night may range around 1 to 4 inches. In
addition, there is a very deep snow pack in place in the northern
and central panhandle that is potentially blocking storm drains and
generally allowing for ponding of rain and snowmelt in areas that
they normally would not collect.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is possible.
* WHERE...The following areas, Prince of Wales, Eastern Gulf Coast,
Southern Inner Channels and Central Inner Channels. This includes
the cities of Sitka, Petersburg, Kake, Port Alexander, Craig,
Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, Ketchikan,
Hyder, And Metlakatla.
* WHEN...From Friday morning through Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations.
Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris or snow.
Increased risk of possible isolated landslides.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- An atmospheric river is forecast to impact the panhandle late
Thursday night into Friday night. The Southern and Central
panhandle may start out as snow, but is expected to switch to
rain late Thursday night. Around 2 to 4 inches with possibly
locally higher amounts of rain is across the central and
southern panhandle Thursday night through Friday night. Some
areas may still have some snow around which could increase
the possibility of flooding in those areas as it melts. Gusty
winds at sea level ranging from 40 to 60 mph are also
possible along the southern panhandle Friday. This
combination of weather hazards could lead to increased risk
possible isolated landslides along steep slopes. Stream flows
in rivers may quickly rise and reach bankful levels.
There is also a possibility of more moderate to heavy rain
later in the weekend as a series of further systems may
impact the watch area.
From: Jan 07, 2026 22:03
Until: Jan 08, 2026 10:15
Hydrologic Outlook
ESFAJK
Off and on showers will continue through mid week. The next
organized system will push an atmospheric river into the panhandle
late Thursday night through Friday. This system will bringing
rounds of moderate to heavy rain for communities along and south of
a line from Sitka to Angoon to Petersburg. Current forecast rainfall
amounts are around 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts
approaching 5 inches at higher terrain. This rainfall in combination
with rapidly rising freezing levels around 3000 to 5000ft will lead
to localized flooding concerns like rapid river rises on small
streams, ponding on road ways and poor drainage due to snow blocking
drains. Any existing snowpack will become more dense and hard to
move. Preparations should begin for an expected rain on snow event
going into the weekend.
Including the cities of Sitka, Angoon, Petersburg, Kake, Port
Alexander, Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay,
Wrangell, Ketchikan, Hyder, and Metlakatla
From: Jan 06, 2026 21:50
Until: Jan 07, 2026 23:00
