Special Marine Warning Issued for Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore Harbor Through Wednesday Night

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia, has issued a Special Marine Warning for several Maryland waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Patapsco River. The warning was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving east at 35 knots.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Chesapeake Bay from Pooles Island to Sandy Point, MD
• Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island, MD
• Patapsco River, including Baltimore Harbor
• Chester River to Queenstown, MD

Specific locations impacted include Fort Smallwood State Park, Pinehurst, Turkey Point, North Point State Park, Hart Miller Island, Gibson Island, Bodkin Point, Tolchester Beach, Worton Point, Pooles Island, Spesutie Island, Love Point, Gunpowder River, Baltimore Light, Northeast River, Sevenfoot Knoll, Havre De Grace, Middle River, and Aberdeen Proving Ground.

What You Should Do

Boaters are urged to seek safe harbor immediately and remain there until the storms have passed. The National Weather Service warns that boaters could easily be thrown overboard by suddenly higher wind and waves, which may capsize vessels. Additionally, boats could suffer significant damage in high winds.

Expected Conditions

• Hazards: Wind gusts in excess of 48 knots, high waves, dangerous lightning, and heavy rain are possible.
• Storm Movement: At 6:50 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line moving east at 35 knots.
• Additional Alerts: A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 8:00 PM EDT for northern Maryland and the adjacent coastal waters.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 8:45 PM EDT on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.