ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda

— The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory for the country’s Atlantic waters, warning that rough marine conditions are expected to continue into Saturday.

The advisory, issued at 2:50 p.m. Friday , remains in effect until pre-dawn Saturday for Antigua and until Saturday morning for Barbuda.

The advisory primarily affects open Atlantic waters extending up to 20 nautical miles offshore.

Meteorologists said moderate to fresh easterly winds are generating hazardous seas, with sustained winds of 26 to 31 km/h (14 to 17 knots) and gusts reaching 50 km/h (27 knots).

Wave heights are forecast to range between 1.2 and 2.1 metres (4 to 7 feet) , with isolated areas experiencing seas of up to 2.7 metres (9 feet).

The Met Office warned that the conditions pose a moderate threat to mariners and could result in vessel capsizing or damage, injuries, financial losses and disruptions to fishing and marine transportation.

Officials are advising inexperienced mariners and operators of small vessels to avoid venturing into the affected waters until conditions improve.

The Meteorological Service urged the public to continue monitoring official forecasts and marine advisories for updates.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Small Craft Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda as Hazardous Seas Develop.