Special Marine Warning Issued for Florida Coastal Waters and Apalachee Bay

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters of the Florida Panhandle and Apalachee Bay. This alert was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the region capable of producing waterspouts.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following marine areas out to 20 nautical miles and select offshore zones:

• Apalachee Bay and Coastal Waters from Keaton Beach to Ochlockonee River.
• Coastal Waters from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola.
• Coastal Waters from Ochlockonee River to Apalachicola.
• Coastal waters from Suwannee River to Keaton Beach.
• Waters from Suwannee River to Apalachicola from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore.

Specific locations impacted include Buckeye Reef, O Tower, K Tower, S Tower, V Tower, C Tower, St George Island, and Apalachicola.

What You Should Do

Boaters and individuals in the affected areas should take the following immediate actions:

• Move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and high waves are expected to create hazardous seas.
• Wear life jackets. All persons on board should be in a secure location and wearing life jackets.
• Seek shelter. If caught on open water, stay below deck if possible and keep away from ungrounded metal objects.
• Monitor for waterspouts. Waterspouts can form quickly and capsize boats, damage vessels, and create suddenly higher waves.

Expected Conditions

At 3:32 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 nautical miles southwest of St George Island to 8 nautical miles northeast of S Tower, moving northeast at 25 knots.

• Hazards: Waterspouts, wind gusts to 40 knots, and small hail.
• Additional Impacts: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours are occurring with these storms. Expect wind gusts in excess of 34 knots and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 5:30 AM EDT (4:30 AM CDT) on March 16, 2026.