Miami, FL – Boaters and anglers along Florida’s Atlantic coast should expect dangerous conditions through 9 p.m. Monday, as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch blankets coastal waters from Volusia County to the Florida Keys, including Lake Okeechobee and Biscayne Bay.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 224 includes nearshore zones from Flagler Beach to Ocean Reef. The greatest threats include wind gusts over 60 mph, frequent lightning, and isolated waterspouts, particularly near the Volusia-Brevard County line and offshore of Jupiter Inlet. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly, especially for vessels within 20 nautical miles of the coast.
The watch covers critical marine areas such as Lake Okeechobee, Biscayne Bay, and waters off Deerfield Beach. Mariners should avoid open water this evening and seek safe harbor if storms approach. Smaller craft and recreational boats are at high risk due to fast-changing storm cells and limited visibility.
This is the first widespread severe thunderstorm watch of May affecting both east-central and southeast Florida waters. Similar marine warnings occurred in early May 2023, when winds toppled vessels near Sebastian Inlet.
The watch remains in effect until 9 p.m., with updates possible as storms develop. Boaters are urged to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local marine advisories.
