The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a Small Craft Advisory warning mariners of hazardous sea conditions expected from midnight Tuesday through the early hours of Wednesday morning.
According to Antigua News Room, the advisory was issued at 4:30 p.m. Monday, citing moderate to fresh winds generating a combination of wind waves and swells that are creating dangerous conditions, primarily in open Atlantic waters up to 20 nautical miles from shore.
Forecasters warn that winds over open waters are expected to range from 13 to 18 knots, with gusts reaching up to 28 knots. Significant wave heights are forecast between 5 and 7 feet, with some areas potentially seeing waves as high as 9 feet.
The Met Office cautioned that the conditions pose a moderate threat to life, property, livelihoods, and marine infrastructure. Potential impacts include injuries to mariners, capsized vessels, damage to marine equipment, financial losses, disruptions to fishing activities, and interruptions to marine transportation.
Officials are urging inexperienced mariners — particularly those operating smaller vessels — to avoid navigating in the affected waters until conditions improve.
The advisory remains in effect until early Wednesday. Residents and mariners are encouraged to monitor updates from the Meteorological Office and local media outlets.
