Special Marine Warning Issued for Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet Waters Through 3:30 PM EST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Special Marine Warning (NWS/NOAA code: MAW) for the coastal waters of Florida. The alert was issued at 1:56 PM EST on February 28, 2026, and remains in effect until 3:30 PM EST.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime zones:

• Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 0-20 nm
• Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 20-60 nm

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately until the hazardous weather passes. All persons on board should wear life jackets. If caught on open water, stay below deck and avoid ungrounded metal objects, as frequent cloud-to-water lightning is occurring. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

Expected Conditions

At 1:53 PM EST, a band of strong lightning storms was located 11 nm east of Hobe Sound Beach (or 11 nm northeast of Jupiter Island), moving east at 10 knots. Additional storms are expected to develop and push offshore Martin County.

• Hazards: Waterspouts, wind gusts to 40 knots, and small hail.
• Impacts: Waterspouts can quickly form and capsize boats, damage vessels, and create locally hazardous seas. Expect suddenly higher waves and heavy downpours.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately as of 1:56 PM EST and is scheduled to expire at 3:30 PM EST on February 28, 2026. These storms are expected to remain over mainly open waters after pushing offshore.