Special Weather Statement issued September 18 at 4:31PM EDT by NWS Miami FL

**Special Weather Statement issued September 18 at 4:31PM EDT by NWS Miami FL**

At 430 PM EDT, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking a strong thunderstorm near Royal Palm Hammock, or 9 miles northeast of Marco Island, moving southeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include... Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Golden Gate Estates, Plantation Island, Carnestown, Belle Meade, East Naples, Lely Resort, Copeland, Royal Palm Hammock, Marco Island Airport, Naples Manor, West Toll Gate On Alligator Alley, Big Cypress National Preserve, Lely, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Intersection I-75 And Everglades Blvd, Miles City, and Fiddlers Creek.

**What You Should Do:**

These winds can down small tree limbs and branches, and blow around unsecured small objects. Seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passes.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

**Alert Details:**

- **Severity:** Moderate

- **Urgency:** Expected

- **Issued by:** NWS Miami FL

- **Effective:** Sep 18, 2026 4:31 PM UTC

- **Expires:** Sep 18, 2026 5:15 PM UTC

*This alert was automatically distributed from the National Weather Service via the IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed.*