Special Marine Warning Issued for Chesapeake Bay Regions in Virginia Through Midday

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA, has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Chesapeake Bay. This alert is in response to hazardous conditions developing on the water due to a cold front moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point to Windmill Point, VA
• Chesapeake Bay from Windmill Point to New Point Comfort, VA

Specific locations impacted include Windmill Point, Nassawadox Reef, Wolf Trap, Rappahannock Range Light, Lower Bernard Island, Rappahannock Light, Nandua Pungoteague Reef, Gwynns Island, Gwynns Island Reef, Tangier Island, Anglers Reef, Stingray Point, Hole In The Wall, Smith Point, Occohannock Reef, Onancock Inlet, The Cell, Cherrystone Reef, Watts Island, and Longs Creek Inlet.

What You Should Do

Mariners and those currently on the water are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Boaters should remain in a secure location until the hazardous weather conditions have passed to avoid damage to small craft.

Expected Conditions

A surge of cold air following a cold front is expected to produce north winds gusting to over 34 knots. These conditions pose a significant risk to small craft, which could be damaged by the sudden increase in wind speeds and rapidly rising wave heights.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective as of 10:23 AM EDT on March 12 and is currently scheduled to expire at 12:30 PM EDT on March 12.