Tallahassee, FL – Boaters along Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle coast are urged to use extreme caution Sunday as dense fog and hazardous marine conditions impact nearshore and offshore waters.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. EST Sunday, with visibility dropping to 1 nautical mile or less across Apalachee Bay, coastal waters from Keaton Beach to Apalachicola, and offshore waters extending up to 60 nautical miles.
The fog is expected to make navigation difficult, particularly for smaller vessels, as landmarks and other boats may be hard to see. Patchy sea fog has been observed using satellite imagery, coastal webcams, and local reports.
In addition, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect from 3 a.m. Monday through 1 p.m. Tuesday. North winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots, are forecast, along with seas building to 5 to 7 feet offshore.
The advisory area includes nearshore Gulf waters from the Ochlockonee River to the Suwannee River, as well as offshore waters from Suwannee River to Apalachicola.
Marine officials warn these conditions can result in poor vessel handling, difficulty steering, slipping hazards on decks, and potential damage to docks, seawalls, and anchored boats. Low visibility combined with rough seas significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Inexperienced mariners and operators of smaller vessels are strongly advised to avoid navigating during advisory conditions. Those who must travel should proceed with caution, ensure all navigation lights are on, and rely on radar and compass systems.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after the advisories expire, though boaters should continue monitoring updated forecasts before heading out.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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