Special Marine Warning for Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine Coastal Waters Until 1:30 PM EDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWJAX) for the coastal waters of Northeast Florida. The alert was triggered by radar observations of hazardous weather conditions moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning affects the following marine zones:

• Coastal waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL out 20 NM.
• Waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL from 20 to 60 NM.

Specific locations impacted include Tournament Reef, Casablanca Reef, Anna Reef, Navy Drydock, South Ponte Vedra Beach, and Guana River State Park.

Expected Conditions

At 12:32 PM EDT, showers were located along a line extending from 29 nm east of Amelia City to near Guana River State Park, moving east at 30 knots.

• Hazard: Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Source: Radar indicated.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate safety precautions:

• Move to safe harbor until hazardous weather passes.
• If your vessel is caught offshore, immediately secure for heavy weather.
• Ensure all crew members are wearing USCG approved Type I life jackets.
• Keep nonessential crew below decks.
• Deploy jack lines and harnesses if available.
• Check life-saving equipment, including batteries on handheld radios, for readiness.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 12:32 PM EDT, March 12, 2026, and is currently set to expire at 1:30 PM EDT.