Special Marine Warning Issued for Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a Special Marine Warning for the coastal and offshore waters of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. This alert was issued following the detection of strong thunderstorms moving through the maritime region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic areas:

• 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 Atlantic Beach, Mayport, Talbot Island, Nassau Sound Approach Buoy 6a, Saint Johns Lighted Buoy, Dungeness, Saint Marys Entrance Buoy 16, Amelia City, and Whittakers Snapper Hole Reef.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. If your vessel is caught offshore, secure for heavy weather and ensure all crew members are wearing USCG-approved Type I life jackets. Nonessential crew should remain below decks. Boaters should deploy jack lines and harnesses if available and check all life-saving equipment, including batteries on handheld radios, for readiness.

Expected Conditions

As of 2:00 PM EST, radar indicated strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 nm northwest of Amelia City to 20 nm west of Talbot Island. The storm system is moving east at 35 knots. The primary hazard is wind gusts of 34 knots or greater, which can damage small craft and cause suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective from 2:01 PM EST and is currently scheduled to expire at 3:00 PM EST on February 27, 2026.