BOSTON, Mass. – The National Weather Service has issued Storm Warnings along much of the New England coast—from Maine to Massachusetts—through Thursday morning, as powerful northwest winds and high seas continue to batter the region’s offshore and coastal waters.
According to NWS offices in Boston/Norton and Gray, Maine, storm-force winds of 35–50 knots and seas 7–20 feet are making navigation extremely dangerous from the Gulf of Maine to Nantucket Shoals. Near Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Cape Cod, and Nantucket, gusts up to 50 kt are expected through mid-morning, while offshore zones including Georges Bank and waters south of Cape Cod could see seas building to 20 feet before gradually subsiding later today.
“Storm-force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” the Weather Service warned. Mariners are urged to remain in port or seek safe harbor, and to secure gear and moorings ahead of the next wave cycle.
By late morning, conditions will slowly improve as winds diminish below gale force, but residual rough seas and strong currents will persist into Friday morning. Offshore forecasters from the Ocean Prediction Center report that large westerly swells will continue across Georges Bank and the Gulf of Maine even after surface winds subside.
The Coast Guard advises mariners to check latest marine radio broadcasts, avoid unprotected crossings, and stay clear of shoaling waters near Cape Ann, Stellwagen Bank, and Georges Bank.
