Special Marine Warning for Tidal Potomac: Wind Gusts Over 34 Knots Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia, has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Tidal Potomac. This alert was issued by the NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC office and remains in effect until early Thursday morning.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Tidal Potomac from Key Bridge to Indian Head, MD
• Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island, MD

Specific locations impacted include Leesylvania State Park, National Harbor, Fort Washington, Tidal Basin, Reagan National Airport, Gunston Hall, Mason Neck State Park, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Indian Head, Key Bridge, Occoquan Bay, Fort Hunt, and Alexandria.

What You Should Do

Boaters and those on the water should move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and high waves are expected, which can create hazardous conditions for small craft.

Expected Conditions

At 4:38 AM EDT, a wind shift associated with an approaching cold front was detected along a line extending from 21 nm northwest of Tidal Basin to 21 nm northwest of Leesylvania State Park, moving southeast at 30 knots. The primary hazards include:

• Wind Gusts: 34 knots or greater.
• Wind Direction: Winds are expected to change direction abruptly out of the west.
• Impact: Suddenly higher winds and waves could capsize vessels or throw boaters in small craft overboard.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 4:40 AM EDT on March 12, 2026, and is scheduled to expire at 6:15 AM EDT on the same day.