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

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Charleston SC has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters in South Carolina and Georgia. The alert was issued at 4:46 PM EST and remains in effect until 6:45 PM EST on February 21, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers coastal waters from Edisto Beach, SC, to Savannah, GA, out to 20 nautical miles, and coastal waters from Savannah, GA, to Altamaha Sound, GA, out to 20 nautical miles. This includes the Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Specific locations impacted include Motherlode Barge, Buoy K C, Sailboat Jupiter, 110 Degree Olympic Buoy, Savannah Buoy, Channel Buoy 5, Sea Buoy 2w, C C A Buoy, D U A Buoy, Wassaw Sound Buoy, Whitewater Reef, Sea Buoy Os, Hilton Head Reef, Savannah River Entrance, and Gaskins Bank Wreck.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather conditions pass. Small craft should be secured as they could be damaged by suddenly higher winds and waves. Avoid remaining on the water during this time window.

Expected Conditions

According to radar-indicated data, a front was located along a line from near Parris Island Reef to 28 NM northwest of Saint Catherines Sound, moving southeast at 25 knots. The primary hazard is wind gusts reaching up to 34 knots. These conditions are expected to create suddenly higher waves, posing a significant risk to small vessels.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 4:46 PM EST and is scheduled to expire at 6:45 PM EST on Saturday, February 21, 2026.