Special Marine Warning Issued for East Central Florida Coastal Waters Until 8:00 PM EDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Melbourne, FL, has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWMLB) for the coastal waters of East Central Florida. The alert was issued at 6:03 PM EDT on March 15, 2026, and remains in effect until 8:00 PM EDT.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following marine zones from the coast out to 60 nautical miles:

• Flagler Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line: 0-20 nm and 20-60 nm offshore.
• Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet: 0-20 nm and 20-60 nm offshore.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately to avoid gusty winds and high waves. Ensure all individuals on board are wearing life jackets. If caught on open water, stay below deck and avoid contact with ungrounded metal objects, as frequent cloud-to-water lightning is occurring. Remember that lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

Expected Conditions

According to radar, strong thunderstorms are producing the following hazards:

• Wind Gusts: Up to 40 knots (in excess of 34 knots).
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves.
• Weather: Heavy downpours and frequent lightning.

Timeline

At 6:02 PM EDT, a line of strong thunderstorms was located from 12 nm northeast of Daytona Beach Shores to 16 nm northeast of Bethune Beach to 11 nm east of Apollo Beach. The system is moving northeast at 15 knots. The warning is scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM EDT on March 15, 2026.