Special Marine Warning Issued for Florida Panhandle Coastal Waters Through 11:00 AM CDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters in the Florida Panhandle. The alert was issued at 9:34 AM CDT on March 8, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in effect until 11:00 AM CDT.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following maritime geographic regions:

• Coastal waters from the Okaloosa-Walton County Line to Mexico Beach out to 20 nautical miles.
• Waters from the Okaloosa-Walton County Line to Mexico Beach from 20 to 60 nautical miles.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather conditions pass. All individuals on board vessels should ensure they are in a secure location and wearing life jackets. Waterspouts can form quickly and have the potential to capsize boats, damage vessels, and create suddenly higher waves.

Expected Conditions

According to radar indications, thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from 11 nm northeast of Okaloosa Deep Water Reef to 47 nm southeast of Oriskany Reef.

Key Hazards Include:

• Waterspouts: Possible sudden formation.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Waves: Suddenly higher wave heights.
• Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours.

The storm system is currently moving east at approximately 20 knots and is expected to remain primarily over open waters.

Timeline

• Alert Issued: 9:34 AM CDT, March 8, 2026
• Alert Expiration: 11:00 AM CDT, March 8, 2026
• Current Movement: Moving east at 20 knots.