Special Marine Warning Issued for Florida Panhandle Coastal Waters Through Monday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWTAE) for several coastal regions and waterways along the Florida Panhandle. The alert was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions and waterways:

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

Specific locations impacted include Santa Rosa Beach, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe, Panama City Beach, Apalachicola, Laguna Beach, Empire Mica Wreck, Cape San Blas, Sandestin, and Miramar Beach.

What You Should Do

Mariners and individuals in the affected zones should take immediate safety precautions:

• Move to safe harbor immediately as gusty winds and high waves are expected.
• Ensure all persons on board vessels are in a secure location and wearing life jackets.
• Seek safe harbor as thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.
• Be aware that a Tornado Watch remains in effect until 10:00 AM EDT/9:00 AM CDT for the Florida Panhandle.

Expected Conditions

At 6:43 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from 34 nm southwest of Mexico Beach to 21 nm west of Empire Mica Wreck, moving northeast at 30 knots.

• Hazards: Waterspouts and wind gusts to nearly 50 knots.
• Weather Impacts: Wind gusts in excess of 34 knots, suddenly higher waves, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours. Waterspouts can quickly form and capsize boats or damage vessels.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 9:45 AM EDT (8:45 AM CDT) on March 16, 2026.