ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis as moderate to fresh easterly winds generate hazardous marine conditions across the northeastern Caribbean.

The advisory mainly affects open Atlantic waters on the eastern sides of the islands, extending up to 20 nautical miles offshore.

According to the Meteorological Office, the advisory remains in effect until Tuesday midday for Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat. In Anguilla, it runs from Monday dawn to Tuesday dawn, while St. Kitts and Nevis will experience advisory conditions from Monday night to Tuesday midday.

Forecaster Letitia Humphreys said moderate to fresh easterly winds are producing hazardous seas, with a combination of wind waves and swells impacting Atlantic exposures.

Winds over open waters are expected from the east at 28 to 39 km/h (15 to 21 knots), with gusts up to 61 km/h (33 knots). Seas are forecast between 2.1 and 3.1 metres (7 to 10 feet), occasionally reaching near 3.7 metres (12 feet). Wind waves and swells could rise to 2.4 metres (8 feet) or higher, with wave periods ranging from six to nine seconds.

The threat level has been classified as moderate. Potential impacts include injury to mariners, capsizing or damage to vessels, financial losses, and disruptions to fisheries and marine transportation. Authorities also warned of the risk of loss of life at sea in dangerous conditions.

A Small Craft Advisory is issued when sustained winds of 21 to 33 knots and/or seas of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Inexperienced mariners, particularly operators of smaller vessels, are urged to avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

The Meteorological Office is advising the public to monitor updates via antiguamet.com and its official social media platforms, as well as ABS Radio and Television and other media outlets.