First published Oct 18, 2026, 6:24:15 AM UTC · Last updated Oct 18, 2026, 6:24:15 AM UTC

Special Marine Warning issued October 18 at 2:16AM EDT until October 18 at 3:00AM EDT by NWS Key West FL

The National Weather Service in Key West issued a Special Marine Warning for the Gulf of America, including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel, until 3:00 AM EDT. A possible strong waterspout was reported near W Tower, moving south at 5 knots.

Why it matters

The warning says waterspouts can overturn boats and instructs people to seek safe harbor immediately.

Location

Categories: severe-weather-and-natural-disasters

Generated scores

Scores are based on the cited reporting and use a 1–10 scale. Read the methodology.

Confidence: 7/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 1/10How widely the event reaches, from a local area (1) to worldwide impact (10).
Global importance: 2/10The event's broader significance, from limited importance (1) to major global importance (10).
Impact magnitude: 3/10The scale or severity of the real-world impact, from minor (1) to extreme (10).
Positivity: 1/10How harmful or beneficial the event is, from strongly harmful (1) to strongly positive (10).
Urgency: 9/10How time-sensitive the event is, from low urgency (1) to immediate attention needed (10).

Primary official sources

U.S. National Weather Service Alerts NWS Special Marine Warning issued October 18 at 2:16AM EDT until October 18 at 3:00AM EDT by NWS Key West FL

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