The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Juneau Friday (Jan. 9, 2026). (NWS)

The National Weather Service warns that snowpack blocking storm drains may cause ponding on roadways.

A flood watch is in effect as an atmospheric river arrived in Juneau early Friday morning.

The National Weather Service Juneau issued the flood watch Friday and it’s in effect through Saturday morning, stating that surges of moisture will push through the panhandle.

Precipitation fell as snow across much of the city, but will be transitioning to rainfall throughout the day across the borough. One to three inches of rain is forecast for Juneau until Friday night, with an additional one to two inches expected by Saturday.

Furthermore, any snowfall accumulations on areas cleared of the deep snow pack, such as sidewalks or roadways, may cause additional runoff from melting snow.

For Juneau and the northern half of the panhandle, NWS expects the existing snowpack to absorb most upcoming rainfall.

“Therefore, snow, ice, or other debris could potentially [block] storm drains and allow for ponding of rain and snowmelt in areas that they normally would not collect, such as roadways,” the NWS watch said.

The City and Borough of Juneau has requested that residents attempt to assist efforts to clear storm drains and prevent flooding, as street crews continue to clear roads across the city.

CBJ’s online map shows where residents can locate storm drains in their neighborhood.