Special Marine Warning Issued for Biscayne Bay and Southeast Florida Coastal Waters
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for Biscayne Bay and coastal waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef until 2:15 PM EST due to a severe thunderstorm.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Miami has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal waters of Southeast Florida. This alert is classified as a severe threat with immediate urgency based on radar-detected storm activity.
Affected Areas
The warning covers Biscayne Bay and coastal waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef, FL, extending out 20 nautical miles. Specific locations impacted include:
- Virginia Key
- Key Biscayne
- Coral Gables
- Cape Florida
- Miami Beach
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather conditions pass. Boaters should avoid the area if possible. Report severe weather sightings to the Coast Guard or the National Weather Service. Reports can also be shared with NWS Miami via their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.
Expected Conditions
At 1:48 PM EST, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm located near Coral Gables. The storm is reported to be nearly stationary. Primary hazards include:
- Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
- Hail: Large hail is possible.
- Impacts: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves. Large hail could result in structural damage.
Timeline
The warning is effective as of 1:48 PM EST on March 1, 2026, and is scheduled to expire at 2:15 PM EST.
Source: NOAA Official Notice