Special Marine Warning Issued for Key West Waters
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Hawk Channel, Straits of Florida, and the Gulf of America until 5:15 AM EDT on August 26. The warning follows the detection of a strong thunderstorm moving through the region.
The National Weather Service in Key West, Florida, issued the warning at 4:52 AM EDT on August 26, 2026. At 4:51 AM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was detected over Vandenberg, moving northward at a speed of 20 knots.
Key marine hazards associated with this storm include wind gusts reaching 34 knots or greater. Mariners in the affected waters should also expect suddenly higher waves, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours.
The warning zone covers the Gulf of America from the west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal out to 5 fathoms, as well as the Hawk Channel and Straits of Florida from the west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal out up to 60 nautical miles.
Specific locations expected to be impacted by the weather system include Vandenberg, Joe's Tug, Western Dry Rocks, East Sambo, Wood's Wall West Crack, Wood's Wall East Crack, and Snipe Point.