Special Marine Warning Issued for Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Special Marine Warning for Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas. The alert was issued at 12:16 AM CST on February 15, 2026, and is effective immediately.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic areas:

• Lake Pontchartrain
• Lake Maurepas
• Manchac

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to seek shelter or move to safe harbor immediately. Dangerous high winds and suddenly higher waves are expected. Waterspouts can form quickly and capsize boats, damage vessels and oil rigs, and create hazardous conditions.

Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 2:00 AM CST for southeastern Louisiana, and a separate Tornado Watch is in effect until 5:00 AM CST for southeastern Louisiana and adjacent coastal waters.

Expected Conditions

At 12:16 AM CST, radar indicated a cluster of severe thunderstorms moving east at 30 knots. The line of storms extended from 17 nautical miles northwest of Lake Maurepas to 30 nautical miles west of Manchac.

Primary Hazards:

• Waterspouts: Possible sudden formation with the potential to capsize vessels.
• Wind: Gusts in excess of 50 knots.
• Hail: Small hail is expected within the storm cluster.
• Impact: Significant structural damage to boats and oil rigs is possible due to high winds and sudden wave increases.

Timeline

• Issued: 12:16 AM CST, February 15, 2026
• Expiration: 1:00 AM CST, February 15, 2026