Special Marine Warning Issued for Offshore Waters from Altamaha Sound to Fernandina Beach

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville FL has issued a Special Marine Warning for offshore waters. This alert was triggered by radar-indicated hazards associated with a strong thunderstorm moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the waters from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, to Fernandina Beach, Florida, extending from 20 to 60 nautical miles (NM) offshore.

What You Should Do

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

Expected Conditions

At 8:39 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 30 nm east of Amelia City, or 37 nm southeast of St. Simons Island, moving northeast at 25 knots. Expected hazards include:

• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Hail: Small hail is possible.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged by briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. The storm is expected to remain over mainly open waters.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately as of 8:40 PM EDT and is scheduled to expire at 9:45 PM EDT on March 15, 2026.