Melbourne, Fla. – Boaters along Florida’s east coast were urged to head for safe harbor early Friday as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts moved across offshore waters from Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, the storm was detected around 2:38 a.m., roughly 25 nautical miles east of South Beach, moving east at 10 knots. The system carried wind gusts over 34 knots, heavy downpours, and lightning.
The warning extends until 3:45 a.m. and covers waters 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore. Meteorologists warned that waterspouts could quickly form, threatening small craft and creating locally hazardous seas. Crews on the water were advised to wear life jackets, expect rapidly building waves, and return to port if possible.
The thunderstorm is expected to remain mostly over open waters, but the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach mariners remain at risk until the storm moves farther offshore. The weather service cautions that additional marine advisories may follow as scattered storms continue through the weekend.
