The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a Small Craft Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda, warning mariners of hazardous sea conditions from midnight Tuesday through pre-dawn Wednesday.

The advisory, issued at 4:30 p.m. Monday, said moderate to fresh winds are generating a combination of wind waves and swells, creating dangerous conditions primarily in open Atlantic waters up to 20 nautical miles from shore.

Forecasters said winds over open waters are expected to range from 13 to 18 knots, with gusts reaching up to 28 knots. Significant wave heights are forecast between 5 and 7 feet, occasionally reaching as high as 9 feet in some areas.

The Met Office warned that the conditions pose a moderate threat to life, property, livelihoods and marine infrastructure, with potential impacts including injuries to mariners, capsized vessels, damage to marine equipment, financial losses, disruptions to fishing activities and interruptions to marine transportation.

Officials urged inexperienced mariners, particularly those operating smaller vessels, to avoid navigating in the affected waters until conditions improve.

The advisory remains in effect until early Wednesday, and residents are being encouraged to monitor updates from the Meteorological Office and local media outlets.