Special Marine Warning Issued for Louisiana and Mississippi Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in New Orleans LA has issued a Special Marine Warning for several coastal water zones. The alert was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the Gulf of Mexico.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions are included in this warning:

• Coastal Waters from Boothville LA to Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River out 20 nm
• Coastal waters from Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River to Port Fourchon Louisiana from 20 to 60 NM
• Coastal Waters from Stake Island LA to Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River from 20 to 60 nm
• Coastal waters from Pascagoula Mississippi to Stake Island Louisiana out 20 to 60 NM

What You Should Do

Boaters are advised to seek safe harbor immediately and remain there until the storms pass. Small craft could be damaged by suddenly higher waves and wind. Large hail poses a risk of injury and damage to boats, vessels, and oil rigs.

Expected Conditions

At 6:52 AM CDT, a cluster of severe thunderstorms was located along a line extending from 51 nm south of Farewell Buoy to 58 nm southeast of the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port. The system is moving east at 50 knots.

Expected hazards include:

• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Hail: Large hail.
• Additional Hazards: High waves, dangerous lightning, and heavy rain.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 6:52 AM CDT on March 16, 2026. The alert is currently scheduled to expire at 8:15 AM CDT.