Special Marine Warning Issued for Coastal Waters from Volusia-Brevard Line to Sebastian Inlet
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters near Melbourne, Florida, as a strong thunderstorm brings threats of 40-knot wind gusts and small hail.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters extending from the Volusia-Brevard County Line to the Sebastian Inlet, out to 20 nautical miles. The alert was issued at 12:16 AM EST on February 28, 2026.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the Atlantic coastal waters from the Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet. Specific locations impacted include:
- West Melbourne
- Indialantic
- Melbourne Village
- Melbourne Beach
- Melbourne
What You Should Do
Boaters and individuals on the water should take immediate safety precautions:
- Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets.
- Return to safe harbor immediately if possible.
- If caught on open water, stay below deck and avoid ungrounded metal objects.
- Be aware that frequent cloud-to-water lightning is occurring; lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.
Expected Conditions
At 12:16 AM EST, radar indicated a strong thunderstorm located 9 nautical miles west of West Melbourne, moving east at 25 knots. Expected hazards include:
- Wind: Gusts up to 40 knots (in excess of 34 knots).
- Hail: Small hail.
- Seas: Suddenly higher waves.
- Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in effect until 1:45 AM EST on February 28, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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