New Jersey–Delaware Coastal Waters – Dangerous marine conditions persist early Sunday across coastal waters and Delaware Bay, with gale-force winds and heavy freezing spray expected through mid-morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Gale Warnings and Heavy Freezing Spray Warnings remain in effect until 10 a.m. EST Sunday for nearshore Atlantic waters from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Fenwick Island, Delaware, extending out 20 nautical miles, as well as Delaware Bay.
Northwest winds of 20 to 30 knots, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 knots, are producing very rough waters and seas ranging from 5 to 8 feet along the open coast. Within Delaware Bay, strong northwest winds are also generating hazardous wave conditions.
Heavy freezing spray is occurring at rates of 2 centimeters per hour or greater, allowing ice to rapidly accumulate on decks, rigging, and superstructures. The National Weather Service warns that ice accretion may disable mechanical and electronic systems and can lead to a catastrophic loss of vessel stability.
The affected areas include coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet, Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet, Little Egg Inlet to Great Egg Inlet, Great Egg Inlet to Cape May, and Cape May to Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island, along with Delaware Bay waters north and south of East Point.
Mariners are urged to remain in port if possible, avoid the warned waters, or seek safe harbor until conditions improve later this morning. These conditions are especially dangerous for small craft, fishing vessels, and winter transit operations.
Warnings are expected to expire late Sunday morning as winds slowly ease and icing potential diminishes.
