Rough Seas and Small Craft Advisory Persist Along Florida's East Coast

Coastal waters from Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet are experiencing challenging maritime conditions through Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory, warning boaters of hazardous marine environments driven by persistent high pressure and strong easterly winds.

The Gulf Stream presents particularly treacherous conditions, with east winds ranging 15 to 25 knots and gusts approaching 30 knots. Seas are dramatically elevated, measuring 7 to 10 feet, which creates dangerous navigation conditions for smaller watercraft.

The west wall of the Gulf Stream currently stretches at varying distances from the coastline, ranging from 17 nautical miles east of Saint Lucie Inlet to 48 nautical miles east of Ponce Inlet. Mariners should exercise extreme caution and monitor changing conditions closely.

Forecast models indicate consistently rough seas with wave heights between 7 to 9 feet, occasionally reaching 11 feet. Thunderstorms and showers are likely, adding additional complexity to maritime travel. Wind directions predominantly from the east will maintain these challenging conditions.

Gradual improvement is anticipated by midweek, with wind speeds potentially diminishing and seas becoming more moderate. However, marine travelers should remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing oceanic conditions.

Boaters are strongly advised to review detailed marine forecasts, check equipment, and prioritize safety. Any unnecessary maritime travel during this period carries significant risk and should be carefully evaluated.

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