Alaska Severe Flood Watch | Effective 10/18/2026 13:33

An atmospheric river is expected to move into the NE Gulf Coast Monday night and continue through Tuesday. Multiple periods of heavy rain are expected for the Icy Strait corridor and northeast Gulf Coast, including the following communities: Yakutat, Elfin Cove, Pelican, Gustavus, Juneau, Haines, and Skagway. Elevated gusty winds are expected alongside this heavier rainfall, with the strongest winds from the southwest expected late Tuesday morning into Tuesday afternoon. Prolonged periods of moderate to heavy rain will produce significant river rises with the potential for at least minor flooding in Juneau and Gustavus. Ponding of water in low-lying areas is also possible. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...The following areas, Eastern Gulf Coast, Northeast Gulf Coast and Northern Inner Channels. This includes the cities of Yakutat, Gustavus, Elfin Cove, And Pelican. * WHEN...From Monday evening through late Tuesday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Isolated landslides are possible in areas of steep terrain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rain totals for the Yakutat area between Monday morning and Tuesday evening range between 4-6 inches, with greater than 8 inches possible at elevations greater than 1000 ft. For Elfin Cove, Pelican, and Gustavus, rain totals ranging between 2-4 inches, exceeding 6 inches on south to southwest facing mountains along the outer coast, and exceeding 4 inches on south to southwest facing mountains at elevation in Glacier Bay and around Gustavus. Coinciding with high rain rates, possibly exceeding 0.3 inches per hour, elevated wind gusts greater than 40 mph are expected at elevations greater than 500 ft.