Special Marine Warning Issued for Mobile Bay and Coastal Waters Through 1:15 AM CDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Mobile AL has issued a Special Marine Warning effective immediately for the coastal waters of Alabama, Mississippi, and Northwest Florida. The alert was triggered by radar-indicated strong thunderstorms moving through the area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• North Mobile Bay
• South Mobile Bay
• Mississippi Sound
• Perdido Bay Area
• Coastal waters from Pensacola, FL to Pascagoula, MS out to 20 nautical miles.

Specific locations impacted include Pinto Island, East Fowl River Bridge, Farewell Buoy, Mississippi Sound East Of Pascagoula, Heron Bay, Battleship Park, Point Clear, Weeks Bay, Dog River Bridge, and Gulf Shores Beach.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas should move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and suddenly higher waves are expected to create hazardous conditions for small craft. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for southwestern Alabama and adjacent coastal waters until 2:00 AM CDT, with some areas under watch until 7:00 AM CDT.

Expected Conditions

At 11:50 PM CDT, radar indicated a line of strong thunderstorms extending from 32 nautical miles north of Battleship Park to 8 nautical miles northwest of Chandeleur Sound. These storms are moving east at 40 knots.

• Hazard: Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged by briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is in effect until 1:15 AM CDT on Thursday, March 12. The broader weather system continues to pose a threat through the early morning hours.