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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters from Altamaha Sound to Fernandina Beach FL, extending out 20 nautical miles. The alert was issued at 3:33 PM EDT following radar detection of a strong thunderstorm in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the coastal waters from Altamaha Sound to Fernandina Beach. Specific locations and landmarks impacted include:

• Cumberland Island
• Saint Andrews Sound
• High Point
• Dungeness
• Saint Marys Entrance Buoy 16
• Buoy Kby and Buoy Cdh

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. If your vessel is caught offshore, you should immediately secure for heavy weather. Ensure all crew members are wearing USCG-approved Type I life jackets and that nonessential crew 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

As of 3:33 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 10 nautical miles north of Amelia City, or approximately 25 nautical miles south of St. Simons Island, moving northeast at 20 knots.

Primary Hazards:

• Wind gusts of 34 knots or greater
• Small hail
• Suddenly higher waves and briefly higher winds that could damage small craft

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 3:33 PM EDT and is currently set to expire at 4:30 PM EDT on March 8, 2026.