The Bering Sea, North Pacific, and Gulf of Alaska waters are notoriously dangerous for marine operations. This area is also a common source region for the storms affecting the continental United States during the fall and winter months. This presentation will focus on the impacts of these storms on the marine community, highlighting the impacts of climate trends, recent improvements in marine forecasting and services, and opportunities for future advancements. The discussion will also cover the recent marine disaster, the sinking of the F/V Katmai near the Aleutians in heavy weather October 22, 2008.