First published Oct 18, 2026, 8:44:15 AM UTC · Last updated Oct 18, 2026, 8:44:15 AM UTC

Special Marine Warning issued October 18 at 4:38AM EDT until October 18 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Key West FL

The National Weather Service issued a Special Marine Warning for waters in the Straits of Florida after a strong thunderstorm was located southeast of Tortugas Ecological Reserve South. The warning cited hazardous winds, waves, lightning, and downpours, and instructed people aboard to take protective action.

Why it matters

The warning gave people aboard immediate safety instructions for the affected waters.

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: 8/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 3/10How 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: 2/10How 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 4:38AM EDT until October 18 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Key West FL

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