Special Marine Warning for Apalachee Bay and Coastal Florida Waters Until 7:30 AM EDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL has issued a Special Marine Warning for several coastal and offshore zones in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region. The alert is effective immediately and remains in place until 7:30 AM EDT on March 16, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Apalachee Bay or Coastal Waters from Keaton Beach to Ochlockonee River FL out to 20 nautical miles.
• Coastal Waters from Ochlockonee River to Apalachicola FL out to 20 nautical miles.
• Coastal waters from Suwannee River to Keaton Beach out 20 nautical miles.
• Waters from Suwannee River to Apalachicola FL from 20 to 60 nautical miles.

Specific locations impacted include V Tower, Buckeye Reef, K Tower, and Marker 24 Barge.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. All persons on board vessels should be in a secure location and wearing life jackets. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Seek safe harbor immediately.

Expected Conditions

At 5:57 AM EDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm near V Tower, moving northeast at 30 knots. This storm is capable of producing:

• Waterspouts: These can form quickly, damage vessels, and capsize boats.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves.
• Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 5:58 AM EDT and is currently scheduled to expire at 7:30 AM EDT on March 16, 2026.