The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services (ABMS) has issued a Small Craft Advisory which goes back into effect Friday for Antigua and Barbuda.


Locations to be affected: Mainly open waters on the Atlantic or eastern sides of the islands.


Timing: Friday until Monday.


Fresh winds are forecast to cause a combination of wind waves and wind swells to reach hazardous levels, mainly in open waters. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is forecast to rise to moderate, with the potential for significant
impacts.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.


Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 22 to 37 km/h (12 to 20 knots; 14 to 23 mph), with strong gusts to around 57 km/h (31 knots; 36 mph).


Seas (significant wave heights): 1.5 to 2 metres(5 to 7 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 2.7 metres (9 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.5 to 2 metres or 5 to 7 feet and occasionally higher.

Dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.


Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; damage or loss of boats and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.


Caution: Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid
navigating in these conditions.


Please continue to monitor these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the Met Office.