The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services (ABMS) has issued a Small Craft Advisory (SCA) which goes into effect for Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. Small craft advisory goes back into effect Thursday for Montserrat. Warnings may be required over the next few days for some areas.


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

Timing: Until Saturday for St. Kitts and Nevis; until Sunday for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands and Thursday until Saturday for Montserrat.


Fresh winds are causing 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 high, with the potential for extensive 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 26 to 41 km/h (14 to 22 knots; 16 to 25 mph), with
strong gusts to around 63 km/h (34 knots; 39 mph).


Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 3.3 metres (7 to 11 feet), occasionally or locally reaching
over 4 metres (14 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 2 to 2.7 metres or 6 to 9 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.