Flood Watch

Headline

.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.

Full Alert Message

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Flood Watch National Weather Service Juneau AK 1058 AM AKST Thu Jan 8 2026 .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. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...The following areas, Eastern Gulf Coast and Central Inner Channels. This includes the cities of Gustavus, Hoonah, Tenakee Springs, Elfin Cove, Pelican, Angoon, And Juneau. * WHEN...From Friday morning through Saturday evening. * IMPACTS...Storm drains and ditches are clogged with snow that may cause ponding of water in these poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An atmospheric river is forecast to impact the panhandle late Thursday night into Friday night. Areas around Icy Strait and Juneau may see a couple inches of snowfall before a transition to rain is expected Friday morning. Heavy rain may fall on the existing snowpack leading to increased runoff. Around 1-3 inches of rainfall is possible Friday into Friday night. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Flooding may occur in poor drainage areas. Storm drains should be kept clear of debris as much as possible. Stay tuned to further developments by listening to your local radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information.