Jacksonville, FL – Mariners along the Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia coast are being urged to take precautions as a Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect through Tuesday, bringing the potential for dangerous winds and seas.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, northeast winds of 20 to 30 knots, with gusts up to 35 knots, are possible beginning Monday afternoon, September 29, through Tuesday evening, September 30. Seas are forecast to build to 10 to 15 feet, creating hazardous conditions from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, down to Flagler Beach, Florida.
The watch covers both nearshore waters up to 20 nautical miles and offshore waters extending 20 to 60 nautical miles from the coast. Forecasters warn that tropical storm force winds and rough seas could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Officials advise mariners to make plans now, including staying in port, seeking safe harbor, altering course, or securing vessels ahead of the incoming conditions. The NWS emphasized that even experienced sailors could face life-threatening hazards if caught offshore.
With tropical storm force winds possible through Tuesday, residents and commercial operators along the Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine areas should closely monitor forecasts and prepare for deteriorating marine conditions.
