Special Marine Warning Issued for Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Borgne

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Special Marine Warning for Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Maurepas. The alert is effective immediately following the detection of severe thunderstorms in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following geographic areas and landmarks:

• Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas
• Lake Borgne
• Orleans Marina
• The Mid Point of the Causeway Bridge
• Eden Isle, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Kenner

What You Should Do

Boaters and those near the water should take immediate safety precautions:

• Seek shelter or move to a safe harbor until the hazardous weather passes.
• Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets.
• Be aware that a Tornado Watch remains in effect for southeastern Louisiana and adjacent coastal waters until 5:00 AM CST.

Expected Conditions

At 12:45 AM CST, radar indicated a cluster of severe thunderstorms moving east at 40 knots along a line extending from near Manchac to 11 nautical miles south of Lake Maurepas.

• Hazards: Potential waterspouts, wind gusts reaching 40 knots, and small hail.
• Impact: Waterspouts can form quickly and capsize boats, damage vessels and oil rigs, and create suddenly higher waves. Small craft may be damaged by briefly higher winds and sudden wave increases.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning was issued at 12:46 AM CST and is currently scheduled to expire at 1:45 AM CST on February 15, 2026.