Sudden Gulf squalls had federal forecasters sounding the alarm Sunday morning, as the National Weather Service in Miami issued a Special Marine Warning for Gulf-side waters off the Everglades. The alert, in effect until 11:15 a.m. EDT, covered coastal waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee and from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach out to 20 nautical miles, warning that fast-hitting storms could toss small boats and spin up waterspouts. Boat operators, park visitors and fisheries working the corridor were told to head for safe harbor until conditions calm.
Special Marine Warning including the Coastal waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee FL out 20 NM and Coastal waters from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach FL out 20 NM until 11:15 AM EDT
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) July 19, 2026
What The Warning Says
The short-fuse bulletin flags wind gusts topping 34 knots, steep and choppy seas, and the risk of waterspouts that can easily overturn small craft. It instructs mariners to “move to safe harbor until hazardous weather passes.” According to NWS Miami, small boats could take a beating from briefly stronger winds and suddenly higher waves as the squalls roll through.
Where It Matters Most
The warning corridor hugs Collier County’s Gulf coast, from Chokoloskee and the Ten Thousand Islands north toward Marco Island, Naples and Bonita Beach, then stretches about 20 nautical miles offshore where charter boats and commercial fishing operations routinely work. Those familiar place names double as NOAA’s official coastal breakpoints for marine forecasts and warnings, and NOAA/NHC lists Bonita Beach and Chokoloskee among the points that define this zone.
How To Stay Safe On The Water
While the warning is in effect, boaters are urged to stay off open water, lash down loose gear, wear life jackets, keep a close eye on radar and monitor VHF channel 16 for official updates. The U.S. Coast Guard notes that search-and-rescue capabilities drop as conditions deteriorate and advises pleasure craft to seek safe harbor during gale‑force gusts. U.S. Coast Guard guidance tracks closely with the weather warning.
Mariners are urged to keep tuned to the NWS Miami feed and the marine forecast for their specific zone, since short squalls in this corridor can build and fade quickly. For the alert that kicked off this latest round of warnings, see the NWS Miami post on X: NWS Miami.
