Special Marine Warning Issued for Coastal Waters from Altamaha Sound to St. Augustine

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville FL has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal and offshore waters. This alert is effective immediately and was issued following radar detection of hazardous weather conditions moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

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

Specific locations impacted include Anna Reef and Whittakers Snapper Hole Reef.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor until 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 are moved below decks. Deploy jack lines and harnesses if available. Check all life-saving equipment, including batteries on handheld radios, for immediate readiness.

Expected Conditions

At 2:49 PM EST, radar indicated strong thunderstorms located along a line extending from 19 nm northeast of Amelia City to 12 nm east of Talbot Island. These storms are moving east at 30 knots. Hazards include wind gusts of 34 knots or greater. Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of 2:50 PM EST on February 27, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 3:45 PM EST.