Special Marine Warning Issued for Lower Chesapeake Bay and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Wakefield VA has issued a Special Marine Warning for the lower Chesapeake Bay. This alert was issued at 11:53 AM EDT on March 12, 2026, following reports of hazardous marine conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Chesapeake Bay from New Point Comfort to Little Creek, VA.
• Chesapeake Bay from Little Creek to Cape Henry, VA, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Specific locations impacted include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, New Point Comfort, 1st Island Bay Bridge, Latimer Shoal, Plantation Light, Mobjack Bay, Cape Henry, Thimble Shoals, Kiptopeke Concrete Ships, Tue Marshes Light, Lynnhaven, York Spit Reef, Buoy 36a, Bluefish Rock, Fishermans Island, The Hump, Cape Henry Wreck, Cabbage Patch, Little Creek, and 4th Island Bay Bridge.

Expected Conditions

As of 11:51 AM EDT, marine reports indicate north winds gusting to 40 knots or greater. These conditions are occurring behind a cold front and are expected to persist through early this afternoon. Mariners should be prepared for briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves that could damage small craft.

What You Should Do

Mariners and individuals operating small craft are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Remain in a secure location until the hazardous weather conditions have passed.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is currently set to expire at 1:15 PM EDT on March 12, 2026.