Small Craft Operators should stay in or near port, seek safe harbour, alter course, and/or secure their vessels from severe conditions.

That’s according to a Small Craft Caution issued last night by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services.

Synopsis: Fresh to strong winds are causing a combination of wind waves and wind swells to reach hazardous levels, especially in open waters on the Atlantic sides of the islands. 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 2.7 metres (9 feet) or greater are occurring or expected.

Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 41 km/h (14 to 22 knots; 16 to 25 mph), with strong gusts to around 63 km/h (34 knots; 39 mph).Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching 4 metres (13 feet).

Wind waves and or wind swells: 2 to 3 metres or 7 to 10 feet and occasionally higher. Dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential impacts: Loss of life; injuries; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; sea search and rescue disruptions; cancellations to sea transportation; scarcity of seafood; cancellation to marine recreation and businesses and economic losses.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.