Special Marine Warning Issued for Galveston Bay and Coastal Waters Near High Island and Freeport
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Galveston Bay and surrounding coastal waters through 8:45 PM CST due to severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMW) for the coastal waters of Southeast Texas. This alert was issued at 6:41 PM CST on February 14, 2026, and remains in effect until 8:45 PM CST.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following marine regions:
- Galveston Bay
- Coastal waters from High Island to Freeport TX out 20 NM
- Waters from High Island to Freeport TX from 20 to 60 NM
Specific locations impacted include Tabs Buoy B, Galveston Bay Entrance, Burnet Bay, Offatts Bayou, Galveston 221, Galveston Pier 21, Trinity Bay, High Island 157, Galveston Causeway, Mitchell Bay, High Island 63, High Island A179, Bastrop Bay, Christmas Bay, Crystal Bay, East Galveston Bay, Galveston Ship Channel, West Bay, and Upper San Jacinto Bay.
What You Should Do
Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Boaters should seek safe harbor to avoid gusty winds and high waves. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 9:00 PM CST for southeastern Texas and the adjacent coastal waters.
Expected Conditions
At 6:41 PM CST, automated weather stations located a line of severe thunderstorms moving east at 30 knots.
- Hazards: Waterspouts and wind gusts in excess of 50 knots.
- Impacts: Waterspouts can overturn vessels and create dangerous sea conditions. High winds may cause significant structural damage to boats, and small craft could capsize in suddenly higher waves.
Timeline
- Issued: February 14, 2026, at 6:41 PM CST
- Expiration: February 14, 2026, at 8:45 PM CST
- Storm Movement: Moving east at 30 knots.
Source: NOAA Official Notice