Key West, FL – A special marine warning has been issued for the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, including Hawk Channel and the Gulf of Mexico, as strong thunderstorms move through the area Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Key West, the storms were located at 4:56 p.m., stretching from 7 nautical miles southeast of W Tower to 8 nautical miles east of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve South. The system is moving east at 30 knots, producing wind gusts exceeding 34 knots.
Boaters in the affected area, including Dry Tortugas, Rebecca Shoal, and Fort Jefferson, should prepare for rapidly deteriorating conditions, including steep waves, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours. The warning remains in effect until 5:45 p.m. EST.
The National Weather Service advises mariners to seek safe harbor immediately. Those on the water should wear life jackets and remain below deck when possible.
For the latest updates, monitor weather alerts and marine broadcasts.
