Special Marine Warning Issued for Louisiana and Mississippi Coastal Waters Until 4:00 AM CDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in New Orleans LA has issued a Special Marine Warning (NWS alert code: MAW) for several coastal water zones across the Gulf of Mexico. The warning was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing significant hazards for maritime activities.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Coastal waters from Pascagoula, Mississippi to Stake Island, Louisiana (out to 60 NM)
• 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 (out to 60 NM)
• Coastal waters from Port Fourchon, Louisiana to Lower Atchafalaya River, LA (from 20 to 60 NM)
• Coastal waters from Stake Island, LA to Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River (from 20 to 60 NM)

What You Should Do

Strong winds are dangerous for boaters and anyone currently on the water. Residents and mariners in the warning area should take the following actions immediately:

• Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets.
• Seek shelter or move to a safe harbor immediately.
• Remain in port or shelter until the hazardous weather conditions have passed.

Expected Conditions

At 1:54 AM CDT, radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms extending from Sand Island Lighthouse to 25 nm east of Pilottown to 30 nm south of the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port.

• Hazards: Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Movement: The storm line is moving southeast at 25 knots.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged by briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. These storms are expected to remain primarily over open waters.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 1:54 AM CDT, Thursday, March 12. The alert is currently scheduled to expire at 4:00 AM CDT.