Special Marine Warning Issued for Mississippi Sound and Louisiana Coastal Waters Through 2:00 AM

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Special Marine Warning effective until 2:00 AM CDT on March 12, 2026. This alert was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Mississippi Sound
• Chandeleur Sound
• Breton Sound
• Coastal waters from the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River to Port Fourchon, LA (out 20 NM)
• Coastal waters from Boothville, LA to Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River (out 20 NM)
• Coastal waters from Pascagoula, MS to Stake Island (out 20 NM and 20 to 60 NM)
• Coastal waters from Stake Island, LA to Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River (20 to 60 NM)

Specific locations impacted include Pilottown.

What You Should Do

Boaters and individuals near the water should take immediate precautions. Strong winds are dangerous for small craft. Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets. Seek shelter or move to a safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for southeastern Louisiana and adjacent coastal waters until 2:00 AM CDT.

Expected Conditions

At 1:00 AM CDT, a line of severe thunderstorms was located from Portersville Bay to near Venice, moving southeast at 25 knots. Hazards include wind gusts of 34 knots or greater. These conditions are expected to cause suddenly higher waves, which could damage small craft.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is in effect from 1:00 AM CDT until 2:00 AM CDT on March 12, 2026.