Special Marine Warning Issued for Florida Coastal Waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL has issued a Special Marine Warning (Alert Level: Severe). The warning is effective immediately for coastal and offshore waters along the Florida Gulf Coast.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Coastal waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out to 20 nautical miles.
• Waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore.

Impacted land-adjacent locations include Ozello, Crystal River, Cedar Key, and Yankeetown.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. Ensure that all persons on board are in a secure location and are wearing life jackets. Waterspouts can form quickly and have the potential to capsize boats and damage vessels.

Expected Conditions

At 3:01 PM EST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts along a line extending from near Suwannee River to 59 nm south of S Tower. This line of storms is moving east at 40 knots.

Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of creating suddenly higher waves and damaging vessels.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours.

Timeline

• Effective Time: 3:02 PM EST, February 15, 2026
• Expiration Time: 4:30 PM EST, February 15, 2026

Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for northern Florida until 8:00 PM EST.