Whitecaps are stacking up offshore as gale-force winds surge along the East Coast from New Jersey to Florida. Buoys are beginning to report building swells, and conditions are deteriorating quickly beyond 20 nautical miles.
The Ocean Prediction Center has Gale Warnings posted across multiple offshore zones, including Hudson Canyon, Baltimore Canyon, Cape Hatteras, and waters east of Cape Fear. Winds strengthen sharply late today and tonight.
Off the Mid-Atlantic coast, south winds increase to 30 to 45 knots tonight before shifting north Monday. Seas build rapidly from 3 to 6 feet today to 10 to 18 feet by Monday in some offshore zones. Rain and scattered thunderstorms will reduce visibility at times.
Farther south, from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout and down toward Florida waters, northwest to north winds of 25 to 35 knots are expected, with gusts near 40 knots. Seas build between 6 and 16 feet, especially in the Gulf Stream.
Conditions will be hazardous for commercial and recreational mariners alike. Individual waves may exceed twice the significant wave height, meaning isolated waves could top 20 feet offshore.
Mariners should remain in port if possible. Secure loose gear, double-check moorings, and delay departures. Conditions may briefly improve Tuesday as winds ease below gale force, but elevated seas will linger.
Another surge of southwest winds is possible by midweek, especially off the Carolinas, where 25 to 35 knot winds redevelop Wednesday.
President’s Day week begins with a strong marine Weather Alert along the Atlantic seaboard. If you operate offshore from New Jersey to Florida, are you adjusting plans ahead of these gales?
