Marine Bulletin: Small Craft Warning

Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
4:50 PM Sunday 24 July 2022

A Small Craft warning goes into effect Sunday night for Antigua, Barbuda and Anguilla.

A Small Craft warning goes into effect Monday morning for the British Virgin Islands.

Locations to be affected: Especially open Atlantic waters.

Timing: Sunday night, midnight until Monday midday for Antigua, Barbuda and Anguilla, and Monday 8 am until 12 midday for the British Virgin Islands.

Synopsis: Fresh to strong and gusty winds are expected to cause a combination of wind waves and wind swells to reach hazardous levels, especially in open waters on the Atlantic sides of the islands.

A small craft warning means that wind speeds of 41 km/h or higher (22 knots or higher) and or wind waves and or wind swells of 2.7 metres (9 feet) or greater are occurring or imminent.

The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is forecast to rise to high, and there is the potential for extensive impacts.

Winds over open waters: East at 26 to 41 km/h (14 to 22 knots; 16 to 25 mph), with strong gusts to round 63 km/h (34 knots; 39 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 2.7 metres(6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.5 metres (12 feet).

Wind waves and or wind swells: 2 to 2.7 metres or 6 to 9 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential impacts: Loss of life; injuries; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; sea search and rescue disruptions; cancellations to sea transportation; scarcity of seafood; cancellation to marine recreation and businesses and economic losses.

Caution: Small craft operators should stay in or near port, seek safe harbour, alter course, and/or secure their vessels from severe conditions.