Small craft warning in effect for St. Maarten

February 21, 2018

AIRPORT–A small craft warning is in effect for St. Maarten as of 6:00am today, Wednesday. The warning is valid until Friday.
The Meteorological Department said in its warning sea conditions are expected to further deteriorate today as a result of increasing winds and north-easterly swells. Rough to very rough seas are expected with waves peaking near 14 feet.
As a result, a small craft warning is in effect for above normal seas and strong winds. Sea bathers and occupants of small crafts are urged to stay on shore to prevent personal injury or death or material damage.
As a result of the large breaking waves, hazardous conditions can be expected on the north and east facing shores of the country. Other sections of our coasts could also experience locally rough seas.
Some coastal flooding is also possible in a few spots and owners of coastal facilities should try to protect their possessions against destructive waves, wherever this is possible, said the Met Office.
The Atlantic high pressure system with a tightening pressure gradient will promote stronger winds and deteriorating sea conditions across the region from today. Moisture and instability associated with a dissipating frontal boundary will drift across the local area and cause an increase in cloudiness and isolated showers during this forecast period.