Alert archive / Florida / Small Craft Advisories in 2020

Small Craft Advisory 71, NWS Key West, FL

December 24, 2020

NWS Key West, FL issued this small craft advisory at Dec 24, 2020, 10:42 AM EST. It took effect at Dec 24, 2020, 6:00 PM EST. It was in force for 46 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 24, 2020, 10:42 AM EST (15:42 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 24, 2020, 6:00 PM EST
Expired
Dec 26, 2020, 4:07 PM EST
In force
46 hr
Issued by
NWS Key West, FL

The text

As transmitted.

481 
WHUS72 KKEY 241542
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
1042 AM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

GMZ033-034-242345-
/O.NEW.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.201224T2300Z-201225T2200Z/
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
1042 AM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Winds abruptly becoming northwest winds 25 to 30 knots
  late this evening. Seas quickly building to 5 to 9 feet.

* WHERE...Gulf waters beyond 5 fathoms including the Dry 
  Tortugas.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong cold front will arrive over the
  Gulf waters late this evening. The transition to strong
  northwest winds will happen abruptly. Conditions will change
  from a light or moderate breeze to occasional gale-force gusts
  in a short time.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$
9 follow-up statements
450 
WHUS72 KKEY 242133
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
433 PM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

GMZ031-032-035-042>044-052>055-072>075-250545-
/O.EXB.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.201224T2300Z-201225T1600Z/
Florida Bay including Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, and
Buttonwood Sound-
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
433 PM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Winds will abruptly become northwest near 25 knots late
  this evening and overnight. Seas will quickly building to 5 to 9
  feet beyond the Reef, highest over the Gulf-exposed western
  Straits.

* WHERE...Straits of Florida, Hawk Channel, and Florida Bay and 
  the nearshore Gulf waters.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

GMZ033-034-250545-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.201224T2300Z-201225T1600Z/
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
433 PM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Winds will abruptly become northwest at 25 to 30 knots
  late this evening, with occasional gusts to 35 knots. Seas will
  quickly build to 7 to 10 feet. 

* WHERE...Gulf waters beyond 5 fathoms including the Dry 
  Tortugas.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$
745 
WHUS72 KKEY 250320
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
1020 PM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

GMZ031>035-042>044-052>055-072>075-251100-
/O.CON.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201225T1600Z/
Florida Bay including Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, and
Buttonwood Sound-
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
1020 PM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Winds will abruptly become northwest to north near 25
  knots late this evening and overnight. Seas will quickly build
  to 5 to 9 feet beyond the Reef, highest over the Gulf-exposed 
  western Straits.

* WHERE...Straits of Florida, Hawk Channel, Florida Bay, and the 
  nearshore and offshore Gulf waters.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 to
  33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to produce
  hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous conditions
  may result in poor vessel handling and steering response,
  broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and falls on
  slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, swamped
  bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$
559 
WHUS72 KKEY 250916
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
416 AM EST Fri Dec 25 2020


GMZ031>035-042>044-052>055-072>075-251600-
/O.CON.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201225T1600Z/
Florida Bay including Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, and
Buttonwood Sound-
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
416 AM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Northwest to Northerly winds of 20 to 25 knots.

* WHERE...Straits of Florida, Hawk Channel, Florida Bay, and the 
  nearshore and offshore Gulf waters. 

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging 
  anchors. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

Devanas
306 
WHUS72 KKEY 251538
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
1038 AM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

GMZ031>035-042>044-252200-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201225T2200Z/
Florida Bay including Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, and
Buttonwood Sound-
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
1038 AM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Northwest to north near 25 knots, slowly easing this
  afternoon. 

* WHERE...Hawk Channel, Florida Bay, and the nearshore and 
  offshore Gulf waters.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

GMZ052>055-072>075-252345-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T0400Z/
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
1038 AM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Northwest to north winds near 25 knots, decreasing to
  near 20 knots by late afternoon. Seas 7 to 10 feet, highest over
  the distant Straits and over the Gulf-exposed western Straits.

* WHERE...Straits of Florida.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$
768 
WHUS72 KKEY 252121
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
421 PM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

GMZ031-252230-
/O.CAN.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201225T2200Z/
Florida Bay including Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, and
Buttonwood Sound-
421 PM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Winds have decreased below Advisory thresholds. However, Small 
Craft Should Exercise Caution. A new Small Craft Advisory may be 
required late tonight and Saturday morning.

$$

GMZ032>035-042>044-260400-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T0400Z/
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
421 PM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Northwest to north winds near 20 knots, easing below 20
  knots this evening. Over the Gulf beyond 5 fathoms, and west of
  the Marquesas Keys, seas 7 to 10 feet early this evening will 
  subside below 7 feet on Saturday.

* WHERE...Hawk Channel, Florida Bay, and the nearshore and 
  offshore Gulf waters.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

GMZ052>055-072>075-260400-
/O.CON.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T0400Z/
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
421 PM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...North winds 20 to 25 knots. Seas 7 to 10 feet, highest
  over the distant Straits and over the Gulf-exposed western 
  Straits.

* WHERE...Straits of Florida.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

Haner
211 
WHUS72 KKEY 260319
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
1019 PM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

GMZ032>035-042>044-052>055-072>075-260945-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T1000Z/
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
1019 PM EST Fri Dec 25 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...North to northeast winds will increase to near 20 knots
  by sunrise. Over the Gulf beyond 5 fathoms, and west of the
  Marquesas Keys, seas 7 to 8 feet. Over the Straits of Florida,
  seas 7 to 9 feet. 

* WHERE...Hawk Channel, the nearshore and offshore Gulf waters,
  and the Straits of Florida.

* WHEN...In effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

CLR
184 
WHUS72 KKEY 260947
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
447 AM EST Sat Dec 26 2020


GMZ032-035-042>044-261100-
/O.CAN.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T1000Z/
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
447 AM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Key West has cancelled the Small
Craft Advisory. 

Winds and seas in these areas no longer meet advisory criteria.

$$

GMZ033-034-052>055-072>075-261600-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T1600Z/
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
447 AM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Seas will remain near 7 feet in the waters of the Florida
  Straits and the offshore Gulf waters. 

* WHERE...Hawk Channel, the nearshore and offshore Gulf waters, 
  and the Straits of Florida. 

* WHEN...In effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging 
  anchors. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$
674 
WHUS72 KKEY 261530
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
1030 AM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

GMZ033-034-261630-
/O.CAN.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T1600Z/
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
1030 AM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Seas have subsided below 7 feet across the Gulf waters. Small
Craft Should Exercise Caution until seas subside below 6 feet. 

$$

GMZ052>055-072>075-262200-
/O.EXT.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T2200Z/
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
1030 AM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT...

* WHAT...Seas remain as high as 7 feet.

* WHERE...The Straits of Florida.

* WHEN...In Effect.

* IMPACTS...A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 20 
  to 33 knots, or seas of 7 feet or greater, are expected to 
  produce hazardous conditions for small craft. These hazardous 
  conditions may result in poor vessel handling and steering 
  response, broaching, overturned dinghies and kayaks, slips and 
  falls on slippery decks, rub damage along docks and seawalls, 
  swamped bows at reef tract mooring balls, and dragging anchors.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced boaters, especially those with smaller vessels,
should avoid operating in these conditions.

&&

$$

WLC
152 
WHUS72 KKEY 262107
MWWKEY

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Key West FL
407 PM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

GMZ052>055-072>075-262215-
/O.CAN.KKEY.SC.Y.0071.000000T0000Z-201226T2200Z/
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
407 PM EST Sat Dec 26 2020

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Seas have subsided below 7 feet across the Straits of Florida.

$$

WLC

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this small craft advisory went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Key West, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this small craft advisory went out at Dec 24, 4:43 AM EST, 5 hours 59 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 24, 4:43 AM EST, 5 hours 59 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Key West FL
443 AM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

.DISCUSSION...
.CURRENTLY...
Under variably cloudy skies and northeast to east winds averaging
around 10 mph, temperatures are hovering near 70 degrees along the
Florida Keys. Meanwhile, local radars are detecting a few patches
of light showers, one near the Lower Keys and southeastward into
the Straits, and the latter along the Upper Keys and adjacent
waters. On our marine district, winds are mainly east ranging from
near 10 knots at Smith Shoal Light due to the cool water
temperatures, and near 15 knots elsewhere.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(Today through Saturday night)
A deep full latitudinal trough extending from Central
Canada equatorward to the south central Gulf of Mexico today will
lift northward through Friday, with the majority of the large
scale lift remaining well north of our region. Meanwhile, a spell
of weak upglide will prompt low chance pops this morning, until a
swath of high moisture associated with low level confluence
preceding and accompanying a cold front which will blast through
our entire region by very early Christmas day. With that, rain
chances will be bumped up to 70 to 80 percent tonight, before
being shut down by day break Christmas. In wake of the strong
cold front, the coolest temperatures of this early winter season
will affect the Florida Keys Friday through Saturday morning,
before slowly moderating. Furthermore, with low temperatures
expected to drop into the mid and upper 40s along with north winds
of 15 to 20 mph, wind chill values may fall into the mid and
upper 30s in the Upper Keys Friday night, and the mid and upper
40s elsewhere.

&&

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Wednesday)
A formidable region of high pressure centered along the Southeast
United States coast and the Florida Peninsula will retreat into
the western Atlantic ocean early next week, as another massive and
stronger area of high pressure builds over a decaying cold front
sagging down the Sunshine State early next week, before slipping
into the western north Atlantic ocean by the middle of next week.
Without any discernible large scale ascent, a moderate to
occasional fresh northeast to east trajectory trapped underneath a
stable layer near 850 mb is expected through most of this period.
Hence, only isolated 10 to 20 percent rain chances seem
reasonable for this forecast period. High temperatures will
rebound to near normal beginning Monday, with average highs in the
mid 70s with overnight lows generally in the mid 60s.

&&

.MARINE...
Gentle to moderate east breezes will turn south by this
afternoon, before clocking around and becoming strong from the
northwest and north in wake of a cold front tonight. Strong north
breezes will slowly abate Christmas afternoon, before fresh north
winds prevail Friday night. Moderate northeast winds will become
gentle to moderate from the east by the end of this weekend. But
until then, a Small Craft Advisory will be required for our entire
marine district tonight through at least early Friday night.

&&

.AVIATION...
Isolated to scattered, shallow showers have been affecting the
Florida Keys and surrounding waters as moisture has continued to
increase. However, the rain activity is likely to decrease late this
morning and early afternoon. It will be a short drier period as a
cold front is expected to move across the island chain tonight,
bringing strong showers for this evening and the early overnight
hours. Sub VFR conditions and wind gusts to 30 knots can be expected
with these showers, necessitating frequent amendments and TEMPOs.
Outside of the rain activity, winds will remain light to gentle
ahead of the cold front.

&&

.CLIMATE...
In 1989, the daily record low temperature of 44 degrees was
recorded. This is tied as the lowest minimum temperature ever
measured in Key West during the month of December.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Key West 80 63 65 57 / 30 70 0 0
Marathon 80 61 63 53 / 30 70 0 0

&&

.KEY WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...None.
GM...None.
&&

Public/Marine/Fire...APA
Aviation/Nowcasts....SDR

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Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 24, 3:22 AM EST, 7 hours 20 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Key West FL
322 AM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

FLZ076>078-GMZ031>035-042>044-052>055-072>075-250830-
Monroe Upper Keys-Monroe Middle Keys-Monroe Lower Keys-
Florida Bay including Barnes Sound, Blackwater Sound, and
Buttonwood Sound-
Bayside and Gulf side from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge-
Gulf waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee 20 to 60 NM out
and beyond 5 fathoms-
Gulf of Mexico including Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal Channel-
Gulf of Mexico from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon
Shoal out to 5 Fathoms-
Hawk Channel from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out to the reef-
Hawk Channel from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile Bridge out
to the reef-
Hawk Channel from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to Halfmoon Shoal
out to the reef-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas out 20 NM-
Straits of Florida from Ocean Reef to Craig Key 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Craig Key to west end of Seven Mile
Bridge 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from west end of Seven Mile Bridge to south of
Halfmoon Shoal 20 to 60 NM out-
Straits of Florida from Halfmoon Shoal to 20 NM west of Dry
Tortugas 20 to 60 NM out-
322 AM EST Thu Dec 24 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Florida Keys and
adjacent coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

No hazardous weather is expected today. For tonight, a strong
cold front will move rapidly eastward through the Southeast Gulf
of Mexico, and cross our entire area by early Christmas morning.
In wake of the boundary, strong northerly winds will prompt a
Small Craft Advisory for our entire marine district

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

Strong northerly winds will prompt a Small Craft Advisory for all
coastal waters Friday and at least early Friday night.

In addition, the coolest temperatures of this season along with
windy conditions will result in wind chill values in the mid to
upper 30s in the Upper Keys, and the mid to upper 40s elsewhere on
Friday night.

Thereafter, no hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

APA

Nearby

Small Craft Advisories in Florida, 2020Every small craft advisory in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.