Short-term forecasts, marine hazards, and how to get weather alerts
Northwest Florida Weather and Surf Alerts
Updated Briefing: Short-Term Weather, Marine Hazards, and Community Safety in Northwest Florida (February 23-25, 2026)
As Northwest Florida navigates another period of fluctuating weather patterns, marine hazards, and ongoing operational activities, residents, visitors, and maritime operators must stay vigilant. Recent developments highlight the importance of timely awareness and preparedness amid persistent fog, frost, volatile marine conditions, military exercises, and environmental initiatives. This comprehensive update synthesizes the latest events, advisories, and safety measures to help the community stay informed and secure.
Current Conditions and Key Hazards
Persistent Weather Challenges: Fog, Frost, and Showers
Mornings across the Florida Panhandle continue to be dominated by dense fog and frost, significantly impairing visibility and increasing accident risks on roads, bridges, and coastal routes. These conditions are forecasted to persist through at least the next few days, prompting authorities to urge caution for commuters.
In addition to fog, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico, primarily affecting counties such as Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton. Localized heavy rainfall may cause minor flooding in vulnerable areas, especially during peak storm activity.
Marine Hazards: High Surf, Rip Currents, and Gale Warnings
The offshore waters remain hazardous due to High Surf and Rip Current Warnings, driven by persistent wind patterns and recent storm activity. The Gale Watch, issued at 20:01 on February 20, is still in effect, warning of north winds at 20 to 30 knots, gusting up to 40 knots, with seas reaching 6 to 9 feet.
Mariners and beachgoers should heed all warnings:
"Avoid swimming in areas under active warnings; never swim alone, and always heed lifeguard instructions."
These conditions pose severe risks to recreational swimmers, boaters, and fishermen, especially along popular beaches, marinas, and offshore zones. It is crucial to avoid all water activities until advisories are lifted.
New Developments and Operational Updates
Military and Environmental Operations
Eglin Munitions Testing and Gulf Water Closures
A significant operational update involves scheduled live munitions testing at Eglin Air Force Base on February 23, 2026. During this period, Gulf waters off Destin will be temporarily closed to all marine traffic and recreational boating activities from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to ensure safety around live ordnance operations.
Mariners are strongly advised:
- To avoid the designated testing zone during the closure window.
- To monitor official maritime advisories for any updates or changes.
- To respect enforced restrictions to prevent accidents and ensure operational safety.
Prescribed Burns and Military Flight Activities
On February 24, prescribed burns are scheduled at Tyndall Air Force Base and Panama City Beach Conservation Park. These burns play a vital role in wildfire prevention and habitat management but will produce localized smoke plumes that may impair visibility and temporarily degrade air quality.
In parallel, Eglin Air Force Base has announced increased night fighter flight operations over the next two weeks, including night sorties that may generate notable noise disturbances for nearby communities.
Hurlburt Field Detonations and Airport Emergency Drill
Additionally, Hurlburt Field will conduct planned detonations on Friday morning as part of routine military training exercises. Residents and neighbors should not be alarmed by loud explosions—they are standard procedures.
Simultaneously, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (NWF BIA) will host its tri-annual emergency preparedness drill on Thursday. This exercise tests airport response capabilities to simulated crises, such as aircraft incidents, security threats, or evacuations. Travelers may notice increased activity or temporary operational adjustments, but these drills are crucial for maintaining safety readiness.
"These drills ensure our response teams are prepared for any real incident," stated airport officials.
Cold Snap and Community Response
The ongoing cold snap continues to impact the region, prompting the opening of several cold weather shelters and state emergency declarations. Vulnerable populations are being prioritized to prevent hypothermia and exposure-related health issues, especially during frost and icy conditions.
Environmental and Marine Initiatives
Combating Red Tide in St. Andrews Bay
In an effort to mitigate harmful red tide blooms, scientists are conducting bioremediation tests in St. Andrews Bay. These involve applying targeted bioremediation agents aimed at reducing algal toxins and improving water quality, with the goal of lessening impacts on marine life and fisheries.
The Mote Marine Laboratory has invited media to observe these efforts, which preliminary results suggest may lead to improved water clarity and healthier ecosystems. Continuous monitoring is essential to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these interventions.
Community Safety and Preparedness Guidance
Given the evolving hazards, residents and visitors should adhere to the following safety measures:
- Enable mobile weather alerts via trusted applications such as The Weather Channel, NOAA Weather Radar, or local emergency notification systems.
- Travel cautiously during fog, frost, or storm conditions—allow extra travel time, reduce speeds, and use headlights appropriately.
- Avoid swimming or recreating in ocean waters during high surf, rip current warnings, or active marine advisories.
- Respect marine closures, especially those related to Eglin’s Gulf testing days.
- Prepare emergency kits containing essentials like flashlights, bottled water, warm clothing, medications, and batteries.
- Monitor NOAA and local authority updates regularly for the latest advisories on weather, marine conditions, military activities, and environmental interventions.
Additional Area-Specific Alerts
Residents should also stay alert for localized severe weather alerts, such as the recent severe weather warning issued for Freeport, FL, which can be accessed via Weather Underground and other trusted sources. Signing up for mobile notifications ensures timely updates on area-specific hazards.
Visual and Community Engagement
Residents are encouraged to review recent video coverage from News 5 NOW (Feb 23), which provides current situational reports on hazards, operational activities, and community responses. Visual content enhances awareness and reinforces safety messages in real-time.
Outlook and Future Implications
While the immediate focus remains on winter-related hazards like frost and fog, marine hazards, military exercises, and environmental projects will continue through at least the next several days. The region is expected to experience rapid weather fluctuations, alternating between mild days and cold, foggy nights.
Authorities will maintain close monitoring, providing timely updates on weather conditions, marine advisories, military operations, and environmental interventions. The ongoing efforts against red tide and water quality improvements are vital for sustaining marine ecosystems and supporting local fisheries.
Final Recommendations
To navigate this period safely, the community should:
- Use trusted apps and NOAA sources for instant weather and hazard alerts.
- Exercise caution when driving in fog, frost, or storm conditions.
- Respect all marine advisories and closures.
- Avoid swimming during high surf or rip current warnings.
- Keep emergency supplies readily accessible.
- Stay informed through official updates and community notices.
By remaining vigilant and following safety protocols, residents and visitors can effectively manage these short-term hazards, safeguard public health, and continue enjoying the region’s natural beauty responsibly.
Stay safe, stay alert, and keep abreast of all official advisories.