Tallahassee, FL – The Gulf of Mexico is expected to experience rough seas and strong winds later this week, creating hazardous conditions for boaters and fishermen in the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee.
High Winds and Dangerous Seas Predicted from Wednesday to Saturday
The National Weather Service issued a warning on Tuesday about Small Craft Advisories likely to be in effect from Wednesday to Saturday. The agency forecasts a 60–90% chance of winds exceeding 20 knots during this period, along with seas building offshore to 5–8 feet. These conditions are expected to pose significant risks for smaller vessels operating in the region.
Strong High Pressure and Stalled Front Fuel Dangerous Conditions
The rough weather conditions are being driven by strong high pressure to the north and a stalled front to the south, which will intensify winds across the Gulf of Mexico. Mariners can expect gusts approaching 30 knots, with a 10–20% chance of gale-force gusts (34 knots or greater) between Thursday and Saturday. These gusts could escalate rapidly, making navigation increasingly dangerous.
Mariners Urged to Exercise Caution
The NWS has urged boaters and fishermen to exercise caution and refrain from navigating in hazardous conditions. Even those with extensive experience on the water are advised to monitor updates closely as weather conditions could worsen unexpectedly.
Key Areas Affected:
- Apalachicola
- St. George Island
- Cape San Blas and surrounding Gulf areas
Maximum wind impacts are expected between Thursday and Saturday.
Stay Updated with the Latest Weather Alerts
The latest update from the National Weather Service was issued at 3 a.m. Tuesday, September 30. Additional advisories may be issued as the weather system develops throughout the week.
