Special Marine Warning Issued for Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Borgne
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Lake Pontchartrain and surrounding waters as severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts move through the area.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a Special Marine Warning for Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Maurepas. The alert is effective immediately following the detection of severe thunderstorms in the region.
Affected Areas
The warning impacts the following geographic areas and landmarks:
- Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas
- Lake Borgne
- Orleans Marina
- The Mid Point of the Causeway Bridge
- Eden Isle, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Kenner
What You Should Do
Boaters and those near the water should take immediate safety precautions:
- Seek shelter or move to a safe harbor until the hazardous weather passes.
- Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets.
- Be aware that a Tornado Watch remains in effect for southeastern Louisiana and adjacent coastal waters until 5:00 AM CST.
Expected Conditions
At 12:45 AM CST, radar indicated a cluster of severe thunderstorms moving east at 40 knots along a line extending from near Manchac to 11 nautical miles south of Lake Maurepas.
- Hazards: Potential waterspouts, wind gusts reaching 40 knots, and small hail.
- Impact: Waterspouts can form quickly and capsize boats, damage vessels and oil rigs, and create suddenly higher waves. Small craft may be damaged by briefly higher winds and sudden wave increases.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning was issued at 12:46 AM CST and is currently scheduled to expire at 1:45 AM CST on February 15, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice