Buffalo, NY – The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Small Craft Advisory and Gale Watch for Lake Ontario, warning mariners of dangerous wind and wave conditions developing late this week.
The Small Craft Advisory begins Thursday morning and continues into Friday afternoon, with northeast winds up to 30 knots and waves reaching 10 to 14 feet along the nearshore waters from Hamlin Beach to the Saint Lawrence River. Conditions are expected to worsen by Friday afternoon, when a Gale Watch takes effect, bringing west to northwest winds near 35 knots and waves up to 17 feet on the open lake.
According to forecasters, the strongest winds and highest waves will occur Friday afternoon through late Friday night, especially across the eastern half of Lake Ontario near Sodus Bay and Mexico Bay.
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor and secure vessels ahead of the gale. The Weather Service warns that the high winds could capsize small boats, damage docks, and reduce visibility.
For the latest marine updates and advisories, visit weather.gov/buf or monitor NOAA Weather Radio for real-time lake conditions.
