Alert archive / Florida / High Surf Warnings in 2023

High Surf Warning 2, NWS Mobile, AL

March 2, 2023Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama; Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida

NWS Mobile, AL issued this high surf warning at Mar 2, 2023, 5:45 AM CST for Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama; Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida. It took effect at Mar 3, 2023, 3:00 AM CST. It was in force for 21 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 2, 2023, 5:45 AM CST (11:45 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 3, 2023, 3:00 AM CST
Expired
Mar 4, 2023, 12:00 AM CST
In force
21 hr
Issued by
NWS Mobile, AL

Counties Baldwin County, AL, Mobile County, AL, Escambia County, FL, Okaloosa County, FL, Santa Rosa County, FL

The radar

The Mobile radar (KMOB), 82 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 11:46 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Eglin AFB/Valpar, FL (KVPS), launched 00:00Z, 11.8 hours before the alert went out and 87 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Eglin AFB/Valpar, FL at 00:00Z on 2023-03-02Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 617 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Eglin AFB/Valpar, FL at 00:00Z on 2023-03-02The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 69 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
617 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-64 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
519 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
51 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
69 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
102 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.3
Supercell composite
2.5

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

544 
WHUS44 KMOB 021145
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
545 AM CST Thu Mar 2 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-022000-
/O.NEW.KMOB.SU.W.0002.230303T0900Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.230303T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
545 AM CST Thu Mar 2 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST
FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone, with locally
  higher waves up to 10 feet. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, from 3 AM Friday to midnight 
  CST Friday night. For the High Rip Current Risk, from this 
  evening through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks,
  and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming conditions
  and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip currents can
  sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
6 follow-up statements
718 
WHUS44 KMOB 022002
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
202 PM CST Thu Mar 2 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-030430-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.W.0002.230303T0900Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.230303T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
202 PM CST Thu Mar 2 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO
MIDNIGHT CST FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone, with locally
  higher waves up to 10 feet. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, from 3 AM Friday to midnight 
  CST Friday night. For the High Rip Current Risk, from 6 PM CST 
  this evening through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and 
  docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming 
  conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
120 
WHUS44 KMOB 030330
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
930 PM CST Thu Mar 2 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-031200-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.W.0002.230303T0900Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
930 PM CST Thu Mar 2 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM FRIDAY TO
MIDNIGHT CST FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone, with locally
  higher waves up to 10 feet. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, from 3 AM Friday to midnight 
  CST Friday night. For the High Rip Current Risk, through 
  Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and 
  docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming 
  conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
444 
WHUS44 KMOB 031025
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
425 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-031900-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.W.0002.000000T0000Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
425 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone, with locally
  higher waves up to 10 feet. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until midnight CST tonight. 
  For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and 
  docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming 
  conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
333 
WHUS44 KMOB 031714
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1114 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

ALZ265-040115-
/O.NEW.KMOB.CF.Y.0002.230303T1714Z-230303T2100Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.W.0002.000000T0000Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-
1114 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9 feet, with locally higher waves up to 10 feet 
  in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal 
  flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Mobile Coastal County.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until midnight CST tonight. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 3 PM CST this afternoon. 
  For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only 
  isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep 
  people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-
  threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion 
  can be expected. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers 
  away from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Some splash up onto Shell Belt and Coden
  Belt Roads can occur causing minor coastal flooding, but roads 
  generally remain open.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$

ALZ266-FLZ202-204-206-040115-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.W.0002.000000T0000Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-Santa Rosa Coastal-
Okaloosa Coastal-
1114 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9, with locally higher waves up to 10 feet in the
  surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Baldwin Coastal County. In Florida, 
  Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until midnight CST tonight. 
  For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and 
  docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming 
  conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$

ALZ263-264-032100-
/O.NEW.KMOB.CF.Y.0002.230303T1714Z-230303T2100Z/
Mobile Central-Baldwin Central-
1114 AM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding.

* WHERE...Mobile Central and Baldwin Central Counties.

* WHEN...Until 3 PM CST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only 
  isolated road closures expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lowest portions of the US 90/98 Causeway at
  the I-10 Interchange will likely observe splashover and standing
  water resulting in minor coastal flooding around the eastbound
  I-10 on- ramps. Additionally, the US 90/98 Causeway usually
  remains open in minor coastal flooding, but brief closures of
  the eastbound, outside lane are possible due to standing water 
  and debris on the road is possible.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

$$
576 
WHUS44 KMOB 032143
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
343 PM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-040600-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.W.0002.000000T0000Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
343 PM CST Fri Mar 3 2023

...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 6 to 9 feet, with locally higher waves up to 10 feet in
  the surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents.

* WHERE...Mobile Coastal County.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until midnight CST tonight. 
  For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and 
  docks, and into dangerous seas. Life- threatening swimming 
  conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip 
  currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into 
  deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
829 
WHUS44 KMOB 040609
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1209 AM CST Sat Mar 4 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-041500-
/O.EXP.KMOB.SU.W.0002.000000T0000Z-230304T0600Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-230306T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1209 AM CST Sat Mar 4 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Mobile, AL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 1, 8:24 PM CSTRip Current StatementMOBBaldwin, Mobile4 days
Mar 2, 4:16 AM CSTWind AdvisoryMOBBaldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Covington and 6 more35 hr
Mar 2, 2:40 PM CSTGale WarningMOB24 hr
Mar 2, 2:40 PM CSTSmall Craft AdvisoryMOB39 hr

Nearby

High Surf Warnings in Florida, 2023High Surf Warnings in Alabama, 2023Every high surf warning in 2023

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.