Small craft warning goes into effect Friday for the British Virgin Islands.
Locations to be affected: Especially open Atlantic waters.
Timing: Friday 8 am to Saturday 8 am.
Synopsis: Fresh to strong gusty winds, owing to expected further steepening of the pressure gradient, due to the passage of Tropical Storm Elsa, are expected to cause hazardous seas. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is high, and there is 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 9 feet or greater are occurring or expected.
Winds over open waters: East at 33 to 52 km/h (18 to 28 knots; 21 to 32 mph), with strong gusts to gale-force – 69 km/h (37 knots; 43 mph).
Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 3.5 meters (7 to 12 feet), occasionally or locally exceeding 4.5 meters (15 feet).
Wind waves and or wind swells: 2 to 2.8 meters or 6 to 9 feet and occasionally higher. Dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.
Potential impacts: Loss of life; injuries; damage or loss of boats and fishing equipment; sea search and rescue disruptions; cancellations to sea transportation; scarcity of sea food; cancellation to marine recreation and businesses and economic losses.
Caution: Small craft operators should stay in or near port.
Please continue to monitor these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions.
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
