Special Marine Warning Issued for East Central Florida Coastal Waters Until 2:00 PM EST
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters from Volusia-Brevard County Line to Jupiter Inlet as a strong thunderstorm moves through the area.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMWMLB) for several coastal zones in East Central Florida. The alert was issued at 1:00 PM EST and is effective until 2:00 PM EST on February 22, 2026.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following maritime regions:
- Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet (0-20 nm and 20-60 nm offshore)
- Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet (0-20 nm and 20-60 nm offshore)
What You Should Do
Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately as gusty winds and high waves are expected. Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets. Due to frequent cloud-to-water lightning, those caught on open water should stay below deck and avoid ungrounded metal objects. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.
Expected Conditions
At 1:00 PM EST, radar indicated a strong thunderstorm located 18 nautical miles northeast of Sebastian Inlet, moving east at 35 knots. Hazards include:
- Wind gusts to 40 knots
- Suddenly higher waves
- Frequent lightning
- Heavy downpours
The thunderstorm is expected to remain primarily over open waters.
Timeline
The Special Marine Warning is in effect from 1:00 PM EST until 2:00 PM EST on February 22, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice