Special Marine Warning Issued for Tampa Bay and Florida Gulf Coastal Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL has issued a Special Marine Warning (SMW) effective immediately. The alert was issued at 4:11 PM EST on February 27, 2026, following radar detection of severe thunderstorms moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning encompasses the following geographic regions:

• Tampa Bay waters
• Coastal waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 NM
• Coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 NM
• Waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 to 60 NM
• Waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 to 60 NM

Specific locations impacted include Clearwater Pass, Anclote Key, Clearwater Beach, Indian Shore Reef, Courtney Campbell Causeway, Indian Rocks Beach, Dunedin, Port Richey, and Tarpon Springs.

What You Should Do

Mariners are urged to move to safe harbor immediately and remain there until hazardous weather conditions pass. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts that can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Ensure all individuals on board are wearing life jackets and are positioned in a secure location.

Expected Conditions

At 4:10 PM EST, severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from 24 nm west of Anclote Key to 26 nm west of Indian Rocks Beach to 43 nm west of Egmont Key. This line is moving northeast at 30 knots.

Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Can quickly form and capsize boats or damage vessels.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves.
• Additional Hazards: Frequent lightning and heavy downpours.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective from 4:11 PM EST and is currently scheduled to expire at 5:15 PM EST on February 27, 2026.