First published Oct 17, 2026, 1:54:15 AM UTC · Last updated Oct 17, 2026, 1:54:15 AM UTC

Special Marine Warning issued October 16 at 9:42PM EDT until October 16 at 10:15PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

A Special Marine Warning covered sections of the tidal Potomac after radar indicated strong thunderstorms with wind gusts of at least 34 knots. Boaters were instructed to move to safe harbor until the hazardous weather passed.

Why it matters

The warning identified a risk of small-craft boaters being thrown overboard by strong winds and waves.

Location

Categories: severe-weather-and-natural-disasters

Generated scores

Scores are based on the cited reporting and use a 1–10 scale. Read the methodology.

Confidence: 8/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 3/10How widely the event reaches, from a local area (1) to worldwide impact (10).
Global importance: 2/10The event's broader significance, from limited importance (1) to major global importance (10).
Impact magnitude: 3/10The scale or severity of the real-world impact, from minor (1) to extreme (10).
Positivity: 2/10How harmful or beneficial the event is, from strongly harmful (1) to strongly positive (10).
Urgency: 8/10How time-sensitive the event is, from low urgency (1) to immediate attention needed (10).

Primary official sources

U.S. National Weather Service Alerts NWS Special Marine Warning issued October 16 at 9:42PM EDT until October 16 at 10:15PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

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