Inexperienced Mariners and Fisherfolks on Montserrat, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

According to a Small Craft Caution issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services today Tuesday 15 March 2022, 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 side of the island.

Synopsis: The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is moderate to high with the potential for significant to extensive impacts. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

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 3.3. metres (7 to 11 feet), occasionally or locally reaching over 4 metres (14 feet).

Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.8 to 2.7 metres or 6 to 9 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

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.