Special Marine Warning Issued for Chesapeake Bay Through 3:30 PM EDT

Alert Details

A Special Marine Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA. The alert is effective immediately and remains in place until 3:30 PM EDT on March 12, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several sections of the Chesapeake Bay, including:

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

Specific locations impacted include New Point Comfort, Nassawadox Reef, Wolf Trap, Crisfield, Thimble Shoals, Tangier Island, Tue Marshes Light, Stingray Point, Onancock Inlet, Occohannock Reef, The Hump, The Cell, Cabbage Patch, Longs Creek Inlet, Cape Charles Harbor, Windmill Point, Lower Bernard Island, Rappahannock Range Light, Rappahannock Light, and Latimer Shoal.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and suddenly higher waves are expected, which can damage small craft. Boaters should report any severe weather to the Coast Guard or the National Weather Service.

Expected Conditions

At 2:05 PM EDT, radar indicated a line of showers over Mobjack Bay moving northeast at 25 knots. The primary hazard identified is wind gusts reaching up to 40 knots. These conditions are expected to create suddenly higher waves and potential damage to small craft.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 2:05 PM EDT and is scheduled to expire at 3:30 PM EDT on Thursday, March 12, 2026.