Mobile, AL – Boaters across the north-central Gulf of Mexico should prepare for dangerous marine conditions Wednesday as strong post-frontal winds sweep through coastal Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Gale Warning from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Oct. 29, followed by a Small Craft Advisory through Thursday afternoon.
According to the NWS, northwest winds of 25–30 knots with gusts up to 35 knots will build seas to 7–10 feet offshore and 4–7 feet nearshore from Okaloosa County, FL, westward to Pascagoula, MS. These conditions will make travel hazardous for small and mid-sized vessels, with possible capsizing and reduced visibility in open Gulf waters.
Winds will gradually decrease overnight Wednesday, but choppy seas will persist into Thursday as conditions slowly improve. Mariners are urged to remain in port, secure vessels, or alter travel plans until winds subside.
