On Sunday morning, 17 May 2026, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services issued an urgent Small Craft Advisory, alerting mariners to dangerous sea conditions expected to impact the Atlantic-facing waters of the twin-island nation over the coming days. The warning went into effect at 11:30 am local time, with hazardous conditions set to kick off tonight and persist through Tuesday afternoon, covering all open Atlantic waters extending 20 nautical miles off the islands’ coasts.
Meteorologists attribute the unsafe conditions to a system of moderate to fresh eastward winds that are generating a dangerous combination of wind waves and swells across the affected area. Current forecasts peg sustained wind speeds between 28 and 39 km/h (equivalent to 15 to 21 knots, or 17 to 24 mph), with strong gusts capable of reaching up to 61 km/h (33 knots, 38 mph). These winds have pushed significant wave heights to between 1.8 and 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet), with occasional local swells reaching nearly 3.1 meters (10 feet). Dominant wind-wave periods are expected to range from 6 to 9 seconds, conditions that meet the official threshold for a Small Craft Advisory, which is triggered when wind speeds reach 17 to 21 knots or wave heights hit 7 feet or greater.
Officials have assessed the current threat level as moderate, though the advisory notes that significant impacts to life, property, and marine infrastructure are possible. The list of potential hazards includes loss of life at sea, serious injury to mariners, vessel capsizing, damage or total loss of small watercraft and marine equipment, and unexpected financial losses for businesses operating in the sector. Disruptions to local fisheries are also expected, which could lead to temporary scarcity of fish products in local markets, alongside widespread delays and disruptions to regional marine transportation.
In its official cautionary note, the Meteorological Services stressed that inexperienced mariners, particularly those operating small recreational or commercial vessels, should avoid all travel through the affected waters for the duration of the advisory. The public and marine stakeholders are urged to continue closely monitoring evolving conditions, as the hazardous sea state poses ongoing risks to life and safety. Additional updates will be released directly by the Meteorological Office as new data becomes available. The advisory was issued by lead forecaster Letitia Humphreys.