Small craft advisory affects Caribbean nations

Various Caribbean nations, such as Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis, and the British Virgin Islands, have a small craft advisory until Friday. 

Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services

ABMS noted moderate to fresh winds are causing a combination of wind waves and wind swells. It resulted in hazardous seas, mainly on the Atlantic sides of the islands. 

As per their reports, such conditions create a threat to the life, livelihood, infrastructure and property of mariners. 

Barbados Meteorological Services

BMS shares the update of Small Craft Advisory that the marines are forecasted to be moderate to rough in open water with swells ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters, equal to 7 to 10 ft. 

Notably, a shearline is affecting the island. Moreover, no significant dust haze has been reported across the region.

It is to be noted that a small craft advisory is in effect for above-normal swell heights. The Atlantic high-pressure system produced strong winds across the region, which increased swell heights, mainly along the northern and eastern coasts. 

However, a decrease in the speed of winds is supposed to result in a marginal improvement in sea conditions with swell heights. Fortunately, the small craft warning has been downgraded to a small craft advisory. 

According to BMS, the people of Barbados may experience mostly cloudy weather with breaks of sunshine and the occasional brief scattered light to moderate showers. 

Winds Forecast

As per weather reports, the winds will remain a moderate easterly breeze from 30 to 35 km/hour, equal to 19 to 22 mph, with higher gusts near showers. 

During the past few days, the marine conditions were affecting the region largely. The warning had been announced due to the possibilities of the following, 

– Sustained winds of 25 to 33 knots

– Reduced visibility of less than 5 km

– Sea swells greater than 3 m

Potential Impacts

– Loss of life at sea
– Damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment
– Injuries to mariners
– Financial losses
– Disruption of fisheries
– Scarcity of fish products