Urgent – Marine Weather Message
Special Marine Statement – Hazardous Seas
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
7:30 PM Monday, 29 January 2018
A special marine statement for small craft operators remains in effect for Antigua and Barbuda and the
rest of the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands until Tuesday afternoon, 30 January 2018.
Hazardous seas, due to a combination of sea swells and wind waves, are expected to be a threat to the
life and property of mariners.
Small craft warning in effect for Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the area.
Winds: East-northeast at 13 to 22 knots with frequent higher gusts. More gusts to around gale force
(tropical storm force) – 34 knots are possible tonight.
Waves/seas: 2.5 to 3.7 metres or 8 to 12 feet, occasional reaching 4.5 metres or 15 feet, mainly in open
waters north and east of the islands. The highest seas are expected tonight. Seas will subside over the
next 24 hours and could reach generally safe levels late tomorrow.
Impacts (possible/likely): Loss of life; injuries; sea search and rescue disruptions; disruptions to sea
transportation; scarcity of sea food; damage or loss of boats and fishing equipment; disruptions to marine
recreation and businesses and economic losses.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A small craft warning means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and
or seas of 7 feet or greater are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to small crafts.
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these
conditions. For the above-mentioned conditions, small craft operators should stay in port.
Forecaster: Dale Destin
