Special Marine Warning Issued for Offshore Waters from High Island to Freeport, TX

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX has issued a Special Marine Warning for offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The alert was issued at 8:36 PM CST on February 14, 2026, following radar detection of severe weather moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the waters from High Island to Freeport, TX, extending from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore. Specific locations impacted by this line of storms include:

• Tabs Buoy F
• Galveston A8
• Heald Bank
• High Island blocks A131, A142, A23, A410, A61, A80, and A109

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and high waves are expected to create dangerous conditions. Because thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas, all small craft should seek shelter and avoid the warning area until conditions improve.

Expected Conditions

At 8:36 PM CST, a line of severe thunderstorms was located extending from near High Island 199 to near Galveston A8, moving southeast at 30 knots. The primary hazards associated with these storms are waterspouts and wind gusts reaching nearly 50 knots. These conditions are capable of damaging small craft and generating suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 8:36 PM CST and is currently scheduled to expire at 9:30 PM CST on February 14, 2026.