Special Marine Warning Issued for Florida Panhandle Coastal Waters and St. Andrews Bay

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL has issued a Special Marine Warning for several coastal and offshore zones in the Florida Panhandle. This alert is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in place until 5:45 AM CDT on March 12, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• St. Andrews Bay Waterways
• Coastal waters from Okaloosa-Walton County Line to Mexico Beach (out to 20 NM)
• Coastal waters from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola (out to 20 NM)
• Waters from Okaloosa-Walton County Line to Mexico Beach (from 20 to 60 NM)

Impacted land-adjacent locations include Panama City Beach, Laguna Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Mexico Beach, Sandestin, and Miramar Beach.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to seek safe harbor immediately and remain there until the hazardous weather passes. Ensure that everyone on board is in a secure location and wearing a life jacket. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7:00 AM CDT for the Florida Panhandle and adjacent coastal waters.

Expected Conditions

At 3:47 AM CDT, radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts. These storms were located along a line extending from 14 nm north of East Choctawhatchee Bay to near Fort Walton Liberty Ship Reef, moving east at 35 knots.

Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Can quickly form and capsize or damage vessels.
• Wind: Gusts in excess of 34 knots, with potential for gusts up to 40 knots.
• Sea Conditions: Suddenly higher waves.
• Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours.

Timeline

• Issued: 3:47 AM CDT, March 12, 2026
• Effective: 3:47 AM CDT, March 12, 2026
• Expires: 5:45 AM CDT, March 12, 2026