Norfolk, VA – Gale conditions are expected to create hazardous boating and shipping conditions along parts of the East Coast this weekend into early week, with rough seas and strong winds possible from the Maine coastline south toward Georgia as winter weather systems move offshore.
According to the National Weather Service, gale warnings were issued Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, for several marine zones, including offshore waters between Baltimore Canyon and Hatteras Canyon, where winds were forecast to strengthen and seas were expected to build. The forecast called for south to southwest winds increasing into the 30- to 40-knot range Sunday, with seas generally in the 8- to 14-foot range offshore, followed by a shift to strong northwest winds Sunday night.
Near the Mid-Atlantic coast, the National Weather Service said small craft advisories were in effect ahead of stronger winds, with gale conditions expected Sunday afternoon into Sunday night in coastal waters from Fenwick Island, Delaware, to the Virginia-North Carolina border. The agency also noted periods of reduced visibility in dense fog Saturday evening in some nearshore waters, which can make navigation difficult.
Forecasters said strong winds can create hazardous, steep waves capable of capsizing or damaging vessels, especially smaller boats. Conditions can also change quickly in squalls and thunderstorms, where locally higher winds and seas are possible.
Mariners are urged to remain in port or seek safe harbor, secure vessels, and consider altering routes until warnings expire. Coastal residents and anglers should also use caution near jetties, piers, and exposed shorelines where wave action can be unpredictable.
