The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has extended the Small craft warning for the British Virgin Islands until Sunday 30 December 2018.
Hazardous seas, due to strong and gusty winds being caused by a very steep pressure gradient, are expected to be a threat to the life and property of mariners.
Winds: East-northeast at 33 to 52 km/h (18 to 28 knots, 21 to 32 mph) with strong gusts reaching gale or storm-force strength of up to 74 km/h (40 knots, 45 mph).
Waves/seas: Over 2.5 to 3.5 metres or 9 to 12 feet, occasionally reaching near 4.5 metres or near 15 feet.
Locations (to be) affected: Coastal waters especially open waters and the northern side of the islands.
Impacts (possible/likely/expected): 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 9 feet or greater are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to small crafts. Small craft operators should stay in or very near port.
Please continue to monitor.
Forecaster: Dale Destin
