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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Gulf of Mexico. The alert was issued at 1:42 PM CDT and remains in effect until 3:15 PM CDT on March 8, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the waters from High Island to Freeport, Texas, extending from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore. Specific locations impacted include:

• Galveston A8
• High Island A131
• High Island A142
• High Island A457
• High Island A410
• High Island A109

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to seek safe harbor immediately. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged by briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. Because frequent lightning is occurring with this storm, those caught on open water should stay below deck if possible and keep away from ungrounded metal objects.

Expected Conditions

At 1:42 PM CDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts located near High Island A142, moving southeast at 10 knots. The primary hazards include waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots or greater. These conditions can create suddenly higher waves and dangerous maritime environments.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective from 1:42 PM CDT through 3:15 PM CDT on March 8, 2026. The storm system is currently moving southeast at approximately 10 knots.