Atlantic City, N.J. – Hazardous seas and strong winds are expected to batter New Jersey’s coastal waters and Delaware Bay beginning Thursday morning as gale warnings go into effect. The National Weather Service says conditions will deteriorate quickly, with gusts near 40 knots and waves building up to 14 feet offshore.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday for the stretch from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet. At that point, the advisory will escalate into a Gale Warning lasting through 6 a.m. Friday. Delaware Bay will also be under a Gale Warning starting at 6 a.m. Thursday and continuing until midnight Thursday night.
Boaters can expect northeast winds of 25 to 30 knots along the coast and 20 to 30 knots across the bay, with reduced visibility in spray and rough seas. Officials warn smaller vessels may capsize if caught in open waters. The Coast Guard urges mariners to remain in port, secure equipment, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Friday as winds ease and seas begin to subside. Additional advisories could be issued if rough weather lingers into the weekend.
