Atlantic City, NJ – Mariners along the New Jersey and Delaware coastline face worsening marine conditions tonight into Thursday as the National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Gale Warning for all nearshore zones from Sandy Hook, NJ, to Fenwick Island, DE, including the Delaware Bay.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect through Wednesday evening, transitioning to Gale Warnings beginning as early as 6 p.m. tonight in southern waters, and by Thursday morning farther north. Forecasters expect east to northeast winds of 20–30 knots with gusts up to 40 knots and seas building to 8–12 feet.
The affected areas include Delaware Bay, Cape May to Cape Henlopen, Little Egg Inlet to Great Egg Inlet, and Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet. The NWS warns that these strong winds and rough seas could capsize or damage small vessels and significantly reduce visibility.
Mariners are urged to remain in port, seek safe harbor, and secure equipment ahead of worsening evening conditions. Winds and seas are expected to gradually subside by Thursday night into Friday, though choppy surf and dangerous rip currents may linger along coastal beaches.
