Special Marine Warning Issued for Gulf Waters Near Pensacola and Pascagoula
A Special Marine Warning is in effect for offshore Gulf waters until 9:00 AM CDT due to a strong thunderstorm with 34-knot wind gusts and hail.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, has issued a Special Marine Warning for offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico. This alert was issued at 7:59 AM CDT following the detection of a strong thunderstorm in the region.
Affected Areas
The warning impacts the following geographic zones:
- Waters from Pensacola, FL to Pascagoula, MS, from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore.
- Waters from the Okaloosa-Walton County Line to Pensacola, FL, from 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore.
Expected Conditions
According to radar data at 7:58 AM CDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 45 nautical miles southwest of Oriskany Reef, or 56 nautical miles south of Perdido Pass. The system is moving east at 55 knots.
Primary Hazards:
- Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
- Hail: Small hail.
- Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. The storm is expected to remain over mainly open waters.
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to avoid the affected areas. Boaters currently in these waters should seek safe harbor immediately or take protective measures to secure their vessels against high winds and rising waves.
Timeline
The alert is effective as of 7:59 AM CDT on March 16, 2026. The warning is currently set to expire at 9:00 AM CDT.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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