The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a small craft advisory as strong winds and hazardous seas pose a moderate threat to mariners across several northeastern Caribbean islands, according to Antigua News Room.
The advisory, issued at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and prepared by forecaster Letitia Humphreys, covers Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, with varying expiry times for each territory.
Forecasters report that moderate to fresh easterly winds are generating a combination of wind waves and swells, primarily affecting Atlantic-facing waters up to 20 nautical miles offshore. Winds over open waters are expected to range from 22 to 35 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 54 kilometres per hour.
Seas are forecast at 1.5 to 2.4 metres — or 5 to 8 feet — with conditions occasionally or locally reaching nearly 3.1 metres, or 10 feet. The dominant wind-wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.
The advisory timings are as follows: Montserrat until Sunday midday; Antigua and Barbuda until Monday before dawn; Anguilla from Saturday night until Sunday afternoon; St. Kitts and Nevis from midnight until Sunday dawn; and the British Virgin Islands from midnight until Sunday midday.
The Met Office cautioned that the hazardous conditions carry a moderate threat level, with the potential for significant impacts. These include loss of life at sea, injuries to mariners, capsize or damage to vessels and marine equipment, disruption to fisheries and fish supply, disruption to marine transportation, and financial losses.
Inexperienced mariners, particularly those operating smaller vessels, are strongly advised to avoid navigating in the affected waters until conditions improve.
Residents and mariners are encouraged to monitor updates through the Meteorological Service's website at antiguamet.com, as well as its social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube at @abmetservice. Updates are also available on ABS Radio and Television.
