Boaters off the Palm Beach County coast got a jolt Sunday evening when the National Weather Service in Miami issued a Special Marine Warning for the stretch of water from Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach, out roughly 20 nautical miles offshore. The quick-hitting alert, in effect through 7:45 p.m. EDT, flags the kind of sudden strong gusts and steep, choppy waves that can flip or flood small boats in a hurry. Officials urged mariners, charter captains and weekend riders alike to head for safe harbor without wasting time.
What the NWS Posted
According to NWS Miami, the Special Marine Warning targets coastal waters from Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach out 20 nautical miles and is set to expire at 7:45 p.m. EDT, assuming conditions improve. Forecasters highlighted wind gusts of 34 knots or higher and steep waves as the main dangers tied to this alert. They also noted that hail and waterspouts were not expected with this particular round of storms. Mariners were told to “seek safe harbor” and take protective action as the rough weather moves through the warning zone.
Hazards and Safety Steps
Short, punchy squalls along Florida’s sea-breeze boundary can whip up strong gusts and very steep seas in minutes, creating an outsized threat for small vessels and personal watercraft. The U.S. Coast Guard advises boaters to monitor VHF channel 16, file a float plan with someone on shore, wear life jackets and move into sheltered water when the sky starts looking mean. Harbor masters and port officials may also restrict departures when Special Marine Warnings are in play. For general safety guidance, see the U.S. Coast Guard…