Published 31 December 2020
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Urgent – Marine Weather Message
Small Craft Warning
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
8:40 PM Wednesday 30 December 2020
Small craft warning goes into effect tonight for the British Virgin
Islands and Anguilla, and Thursday for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis.
Locations to be affected: Especially open Atlantic or north and
eastern waters.
Timing: Wednesday night until Saturday for the British Virgin
Islands and Anguilla, and Thursday until Saturday for Antigua,
Barbuda, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis.
Synopsis: Strong winds, due to the expected significant steepening
of the pressure gradient, are forecast to cause very hazardous seas.
The threat level to the life, livelihood, property, and infrastructure of
mariners will rise to high, and there is the potential for extensive
impacts. A small craft warning means that wind speeds of 22mph or
higher (22 knots or higher) and or wind waves and or wind swells of 9
feet or greater are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to
small crafts.
Winds over open waters: Northeast at 18 to 28 mph, with strong
gusts to around 43 mph.
Seas (significant wave heights): 2.5 to 3.5 metres (8 to 12 feet),
occasionally or locally reaching near 4.5 metres (15 feet). Dominant
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. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the Met Office.
Forecaster: Dale Destin
