safety steps

Urgent – Marine Weather Message
Small Craft Warning
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
11:40 am Tuesday 11 February, 2025

…Small craft warning for Antigua, Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands…

Locations to be affected: Mainly open waters north and east of the islands.

Timing: From Wednesday midday until Sunday afternoon for Barbuda
From Wednesday afternoon until Sunday afternoon for Antigua
From Thursday morning until Thursday midday for the British Virgin Islands

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

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 at 32 to 48 km/h (17 to 26 knots; 20 to 30 mph) with strong gusts to gale-force of 68 km/h (37 knots; 43 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 2.4 to 3.1 metres (8 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.7 metres (12 feet).

Wind waves and or wind swells of 2.7 to 3.1 metres or 9 to 10 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.

Please continue to monitor these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the Met Office via antiguamet.com, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
@abmetservice. Also, stay tuned to other media platforms for
updates.

Forecaster: Letitia Humphreys