Special Marine Warning Issued for Waters Near High Island and Freeport Through Sunday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX has issued a Special Marine Warning for the offshore waters of the Texas coast. The alert was issued after radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the waters from High Island to Freeport, TX, extending from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore. Specific locations impacted include Galveston A8.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised 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 in 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

As of 1:07 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Galveston A8 and was nearly stationary. The primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts
• Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater
• Locally hazardous seas and suddenly higher waves

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately as of 1:08 PM CDT on March 8. The warning is currently set to expire at 2:15 PM CDT.