ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A small craft advisory is in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands as moderate to fresh easterly winds generate hazardous sea conditions across open Atlantic waters.

The advisory applies mainly to the eastern sides of the islands, extending up to 20 nautical miles offshore.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, the advisory remains in effect for the British Virgin Islands until Thursday night, for Barbuda until Friday evening, for Antigua from Thursday afternoon until Friday afternoon, and for Anguilla from Thursday evening until midnight Thursday.

Forecaster Letitia Humphreys said moderate to fresh easterly winds are producing a combination of wind waves and swells along Atlantic coastlines.

Winds are forecast at 28 to 37 kilometres per hour (15 to 20 knots), with gusts reaching up to 57 km/h (31 knots). Seas are expected to range from 2.1 to 3.1 metres (7 to 10 feet), occasionally peaking near 3.7 metres (12 feet), with wave periods of six to nine seconds.

A small craft advisory indicates that winds of 21 to 33 knots and/or seas of seven feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Officials warned that the conditions pose a risk of injury or loss of life at sea, as well as possible capsizing or damage to small vessels. Fisheries and marine transportation could also face disruptions, potentially resulting in economic losses.

Inexperienced mariners and operators of small vessels are advised to avoid navigating in the hazardous conditions and to monitor updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service through local media and its official platforms.