Baltimore, MD – Boaters and mariners across the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac River should prepare for hazardous wind and wave conditions tonight as the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington issues a Gale Warning from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday.
According to forecasters, west winds of 20 to 30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots will create waves up to 4 feet, posing a significant risk to small vessels. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect through the day for southwest winds up to 25 knots, followed by another advisory Thursday morning as winds gradually ease.
The warnings cover all waters from the Key Bridge in Baltimore south to Smith Point, Virginia, including the Patapsco, Patuxent, and Choptank Rivers, as well as Tangier Sound and the Eastern Bay.
The strongest winds are expected late tonight as a cold front sweeps across the Mid-Atlantic. The NWS advises all mariners to stay in port, secure loose gear, and avoid open waters until conditions improve Thursday.
Winds are forecast to subside by mid-morning Thursday, with calmer conditions returning later in the day.
