Special Marine Warning Issued for Coastal Waters Near Baffin Bay and Port Mansfield
A Special Marine Warning is in effect until 7:30 PM CST for coastal waters between Baffin Bay and Port Mansfield due to strong thunderstorms producing wind gusts over 34 knots.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters in South Texas. The alert was issued at 6:45 PM CST and remains in effect until 7:30 PM CST.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following maritime regions:
- Laguna Madre from 5 nautical miles north of Port Mansfield to Baffin Bay.
- Coastal waters from Baffin Bay to Port Mansfield out to 20 nautical miles.
- Specific locations impacted include Malaquite Beach, Riviera Beach, Packery Channel, and Flour Bluff.
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately as gusty winds and high waves are expected. Frequent lightning is occurring with these storms. If caught on the open water, stay below deck if possible and keep away from all ungrounded metal objects.
Expected Conditions
According to radar at 6:45 PM CST, strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 11 nautical miles southwest of Flour Bluff to near Riviera Beach, moving east at 30 knots.
- Hazard: Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater.
- Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.
- Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning.
Timeline
The alert is effective immediately as of 6:45 PM CST and is expected to last until 7:30 PM CST on February 14, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice