Miami Florida for 02-21-2025

Rough Seas and Small Craft Advisories Grip Florida Coastal Waters

Mariners and coastal residents should prepare for challenging marine conditions across Florida's coastal waters today. A persistent northeast wind is creating hazardous conditions that will impact maritime activities from Jupiter Inlet to Ocean Reef and across Gulf coastal regions.

The National Weather Service has issued Small Craft Advisories for multiple marine zones, with winds consistently blowing 15 to 20 knots. Seas are expected to range from 5 to 7 feet, occasionally reaching up to 9 feet in some areas. Intracoastal waters will experience choppy conditions, particularly in exposed regions.

The Gulf Stream's western wall has been precisely mapped, currently positioned just offshore from key locations including Fowey Rocks, Port Everglades, Lake Worth, and Jupiter Inlet. Navigators should exercise extra caution when traversing these waters.

While conditions are most challenging today, a gradual improvement is anticipated. By Saturday, winds will decrease to 10 to 15 knots, with seas moderating to 4 to 6 feet. Weekend forecasts suggest increasingly calm conditions, with winds shifting to easterly and southeastern directions.

Lake Okeechobee and Biscayne Bay will also experience heightened wind conditions, with small craft advised to proceed with caution. Northeast winds will create moderate chop across these inland waters.

Boaters and marine enthusiasts should closely monitor updated forecasts and ensure they have appropriate safety equipment. The combination of strong winds and elevated seas demands respect and careful preparation.

As the weekend approaches, conditions are expected to stabilize, offering relief to those who depend on Florida's coastal and marine environments.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI