Special Marine Warning Issued for Northeast Florida Coastal Waters Until 12:45 PM

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville FL has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWJAX) for coastal and offshore waters. The alert is effective immediately and remains in place until 12:45 PM EDT.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Coastal waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL out 20 NM
• Waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL from 20 to 60 NM

Specific locations impacted include Atlantic Beach, Palm Valley, Jacksonville Beach, Mayport, Talbot Island, Nassau Sound Approach Buoy 6a, Saint Johns Lighted Buoy, and Anna Reef.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor until the hazardous weather passes. If your vessel is caught offshore, immediately secure for heavy weather. Ensure all crew members are wearing USCG approved Type I life jackets and nonessential crew remain below decks. Deploy jack lines and harnesses if available. Check life-saving equipment, including batteries on handheld radios, for readiness.

Expected Conditions

Radar indicates gusty showers and a thunderstorm located along a line extending from 6 nm west of Atlantic Beach to near Amelia City, moving east at 20 knots. The primary hazard is wind gusts of 34 knots or greater. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 11:47 AM EDT on March 12, 2026, and is scheduled to expire at 12:45 PM EDT on the same day.