Lake Charles, La. – Boaters along the Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas coast have a narrow window this morning to secure vessels before 35-knot wind gusts and 8-foot seas peak ahead of noon Sunday, creating hazardous conditions near the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge and Sabine Pass shipping channel.
According to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 12 p.m. Sunday for all coastal lakes, bays and offshore waters from High Island, Texas, to the Lower Atchafalaya River out to 60 nautical miles. Southeast winds are shifting southwest at 15 to 30 knots, with gusts reaching 35 knots. Seas are building between 4 and 8 feet.
The roughest conditions are expected offshore south of Cameron Parish and near the Calcasieu Ship Channel, where choppy waters could make navigation difficult for shrimp boats and recreational vessels. Ferry crossings and smaller craft near Sabine Pass and along TX 87 may encounter steep wave action through late morning.
Mariners operating near the I-210 bridge and Lake Charles waterfront should expect persistent gusts capable of pushing smaller boats off course. Inexperienced boaters are urged to remain docked, double-check mooring lines and delay offshore trips until winds ease after midday.
Conditions gradually improve this afternoon as winds weaken and seas subside, but additional marine advisories could be issued if speeds remain elevated. Boaters should monitor the latest updates from the National Weather Service before heading out.
