Corpus Christi, TX — The Texas Gulf Coast is dealing with two rounds of hazardous marine weather today as dense morning fog gives way to strong winds and rough seas by afternoon. The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi has issued back-to-back advisories, alerting mariners to dangerous conditions both nearshore and offshore.
Weather Overview
A Marine Dense Fog Advisory remains in place through early Thursday morning, covering bays and coastal waters stretching from Port Aransas to Matagorda Bay. The National Weather Service warns that “visibility will drop to one mile or less”, creating extremely challenging navigation conditions for smaller vessels.
Boaters are urged to delay travel when possible, as low visibility can lead to sudden hazards, difficult steering, and an increased risk of collisions. According to the NWS, “mariners are urged to avoid operating in fog and use extreme caution if travel is necessary.”
Dense Fog Reduces Visibility Along the Coast
The thick fog developed overnight as warm, humid air moved across cooler coastal waters. These conditions trapped moisture near the surface, leading to rapidly decreasing visibility before sunrise.
Areas most affected include:
- Matagorda Bay
- San Antonio Bay
- Corpus Christi Bay
- Nearshore Gulf waters out to 20 nautical miles
The NWS notes that fog may shift quickly, with visibility dropping unexpectedly even where skies previously appeared clearer.
Small Craft Advisory Expected This Afternoon
Once the fog lifts, a new hazard will move in. Beginning at 2 p.m. and lasting through midnight, a Small Craft Advisory goes into effect for offshore Gulf waters. This advisory is tied to a passing cold front expected to bring stronger north winds later today…