A rare severe thunderstorm blew a Celebrity cruise ship away from the dock in Juneau, Alaska on
Monday.
JUNEAU, Alaska — A rare severe thunderstorm brought ferocious winds to southeastern Alaska
Monday afternoon, blowing a massive cruise ship away from the pier.
The Celebrity Edge ship was moored in Juneau when thunderstorms suddenly kicked up strong winds.
A gust at the Federal Building in downtown Juneau reached 60 mph while the nearby Coast Guard station clocked a
gust at 47 mph, according to National Weather Service data.
Video from witnesses on shore shows mooring lines snap along the pier, and the ship drifting out into
Gastineau Channel.
“I’ve never seen a storm come in so fast,” videographer Hannah Hansen told Storyful. “It came through the
channel within a couple minutes. Everything got really dark and gusts of wind hit going 60 miles an hour or more.”
Celebrity cruise ship Edge blown from pier in Juneau, Alaska during thunderstorm on June 16, 2025.
(Alex Davison via Storyful)
Hansen told Storyful she was working when the storm came through. “I ran over to the window and started
seeing the ship break,” she said.
FOX Weather has reached out to Celebrity’s parent company Royal Caribbean Group for more information on what
occurred and if anyone was injured.
The thunderstorm prompted the first Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Juneau according to the NWS.
ALASKA CAPITAL CITY RECORDS FIRST-EVER SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
“Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are rare in Alaska due to cooler air temperatures and limited daytime heating,” the
FOX Forecast Center said. “This lessens the atmospheric instability needed for strong storms. In addition, there is a
lack of moisture to support severe weather, making the overall environment unfavorable for thunderstorm formation.”
The last Severe Thunderstorm Warning that was issued by the NWS Juneau office came almost six years ago.
The Edge left Seattle on Friday to begin its current 7-day Alaskan cruise, according to the Port of Seattle.
The historic severe thunderstorm in Juneau that caused a cruise ship to break from its moorings offers a unique possibility to understand the dynamics of extreme weather.
This was more than just an unusual event. It was a potent reminder of the unpredictable nature of storms and the importance of vigilance, even in regions typically less prone to severe weather. The unprecedented Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Juneau highlights this point.
What exactly made this storm so unusual for Juneau? It was the combination of atmospheric ingredients rarely found in this region, specifically the instability needed to spawn strong thunderstorms.Additionally,there was sufficient wind shear to organize the storm and create its damaging gusts. The lack of these elements usually prevents the formation of severe thunderstorms in the Alaskan capital.
While severe thunderstorm warnings are rare, they are not unheard of. The NWS Juneau office had issued one almost six years prior to the recent event. The recent event, however, stands out given the intensity of the wind gusts and the resulting damage to the Celebrity Edge cruise ship.
Let’s delve deeper into the weather conditions in the area that day. The high winds, according to the NWS, reached 60 mph at the Federal Building and 47 mph at the Coast Guard station. These wind speeds were strong enough to snap mooring lines and push the massive cruise ship away from the dock.
Understanding Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing a variety of hazards, including:
- Damaging winds (58 mph or higher)
- Large hail (1 inch in diameter or greater)
- Tornadoes
These storms typically arise from a combination of warm, moist air, atmospheric instability, and a lifting mechanism, which can be provided by a front, a sea breeze, or other factors. Even though these elements are uncommon in Southeast Alaska, they converged perfectly on the afternoon in Juneau.
Why is Juneau so rarely hit by severe thunderstorms? Cooler temperatures and less daytime heating limit the atmospheric instability typically needed for these storms. Another factor is the lack of sufficient moisture, preventing the growth of strong thunderstorms.
The Impact on the Celebrity Edge
The Celebrity Edge cruise ship,with thousands of people aboard,was affected by the storm while docked in Juneau. The ship’s mooring lines broke due to the intense wind gusts.
Fortunately, rapid action by the crew and the absence of other ships nearby helped prevent serious damage or injuries. The ship was eventually brought back to the pier.
Lessons Learned
The Juneau storm serves as a crucial reminder. It is essential for ports and the cruise ship industry to consistently monitor for severe weather. Proactive measures can include:
- Implementing real-time weather monitoring.
- Strengthening mooring procedures and equipment.
- Establishing clear emergency protocols.
Moreover, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed about weather forecasts and to heed warnings issued by the NWS.
The incident underscored the importance of preparedness, even in locations typically not known for severe storms. This rare event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature.
The incident also highlighted the value of eyewitness accounts. The video footage and stories shared by Hannah Hansen and others who were present provided valuable insight into the storm’s rapid development and intensity.
the severe thunderstorm in Juneau was a notable event for its rarity,intensity,and impact. it provides valuable lessons about the importance of weather awareness, preparedness, and adapting to the unpredictable nature of severe weather events.
Did the cruise ship suffer any significant damage during the storm? No, the Celebrity Edge was successfully brought back to the pier, and there were no reports of major damage.
How often do severe thunderstorms happen in Juneau, alaska? Severe thunderstorms are rare in Juneau due to the environmental conditions, which typically lack the atmospheric instability needed for such storms.
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