Pensacola, FL – Boaters across the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coastal waters face dangerous marine conditions early this morning as two Special Marine Warnings remain in effect for storms capable of producing waterspouts and wind gusts above 34 knots.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Mobile and Tallahassee, strong thunderstorms were detected shortly after 1 a.m. CST moving northeast at roughly 25 knots across Gulf waters stretching from the Okaloosa–Walton County Line to Pascagoula, MS, and eastward toward Mexico Beach and Apalachicola, FL.
Forecasters said the storms are producing conditions favorable for waterspouts, which can overturn vessels and create dangerous, sharply higher waves. Radar also indicated frequent lightning, heavy downpours, and sudden wind increases—making the threat especially hazardous for small craft during the overnight hours.
The Mobile-issued warning covers waters up to 60 nautical miles offshore near Okaloosa Deep Water Reef, Oriskany Reef, and areas south of Perdido Pass. The Tallahassee-issued warning includes St. Andrews Bay, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Port St. Joe, and coastal corridors between Mexico Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.
Both warnings emphasize that boaters should seek safe harbor immediately and ensure all passengers are wearing life jackets. Waterspouts, while often brief, can form suddenly along strong thunderstorm lines.
The warnings remain in effect through 3:30 a.m. CST for Alabama and western Florida waters, and until 5:15 a.m. EST (4:15 a.m. CST) for the eastern Panhandle.
