Building waves, increasing winds spur Small Craft Advisory

A developing onshore flow will result in building waves and increasing winds, forecasters say.

A weak low pressure system developing off the southeastern US coast and high pressure across New England and southeast Canada are generating the flow, according to the National Weather Service. 

In response, the National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory for coastal waters out 20 nautical miles from Sandy Hook to Cape May until 6 p.m. Tuesday. 

Mariners should be prepared for east winds at 15 to 20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, and seas building to five to eight feet, according to the bulletin. Winds and seas will increase Monday from south to north.

“A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots and or seas of five feet or greater are anticipated,” the bulletin advises. “Winds and seas within these ranges are expected to produce hazardous conditions for small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.”

These conditions are also expected to result in minor tidal flooding through at least Tuesday evening. 

By Wednesday evening, winds speeds are expected to drop below advisory levels, although ocean wave heights may be over five feet, according to the National Weather Service.