Small Craft Warning in Effect

Urgent – Marine Weather MessageSmall Craft WarningAntigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services11:40 pm Thursday 17 August 2023 …Small craft warning goes into effect Tonight for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands… Locations to be affected: Mainly open waters Timing: Later tonight until Friday afternoon for Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands and…

STEPS

August 18, 2023

1–2 minutes

Urgent – Marine Weather Message
Small Craft Warning
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
11:40 pm Thursday 17 August 2023

…Small craft warning goes into effect Tonight for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands…

Locations to be affected: Mainly open waters

Timing: Later tonight until Friday afternoon for Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands and later tonight until Sunday for Antigua and Barbuda.

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

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

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.

Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 44 km/h (14 to 24 knots; 16 to 28 mph), with strong gusts to 69 km/h (37 knots; 43 mph). The strongest winds are expected Sunday and Monday; a high wind advisory may be required.

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.8 to 3.0 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4.0 metres (near 13 feet).

Wind waves and or wind swells of 1.8 to 3.0 metres or 6 to 10 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind-wave period is 6 to 9 seconds. The highest seas will be east of Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday.

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.