Boaters across the Atlantic waters from Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach faced a quick-moving hazard Wednesday afternoon when NWS Miami issued a Special Marine Warning. The alert covered coastal and offshore waters and warned of wind gusts above 34 knots through 4:30 p.m. EDT.
Warning Covered Two Offshore Zones
According to the NWS Miami alert, the warning included coastal waters from Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach out 20 nautical miles, plus waters 20 to 60 nautical miles offshore. Jupiter, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach were among the locations listed in the affected area.
The alert’s hazard details centered on wind gusts above 34 knots; hail and waterspouts were not listed as expected threats. NWS Miami advised mariners to seek safe harbor and take protective action while the warning was active.
What A Special Marine Warning Signals
The National Weather Service defines a Special Marine Warning as a short-duration alert, generally lasting up to two hours, for marine conditions such as thunderstorm winds or gusts of at least 34 knots, large hail or waterspouts. That wind threshold is roughly 39 mph and can create potentially dangerous conditions for smaller vessels.
For boaters already on the water, the agency’s thunderstorm guidance recommends heading to port or safe shelter quickly rather than trying to ride out the storm. Mariners should check the current Miami marine forecast before leaving shore, since new warnings can be issued as storms develop.
