MONTAUK, N.Y. – Dangerous marine conditions are expected to surge this weekend, with gales Saturday evening escalating to storm-force winds Sunday through late Sunday night, threatening small craft and disrupting ferry schedules from Sandy Hook, NJ, to Montauk Point, NY.
According to the National Weather Service in New York (Upton), a Gale Watch is posted Saturday evening through late Saturday night for east winds 20–30 kt, gusts to 35 kt, seas 5–8 ft. A Storm Watch follows Sunday morning through late Sunday night with northeast winds 35–45 kt, gusts up to 50 kt, and seas building 15–20 ft over the ocean waters between Fire Island Inlet, Moriches Inlet, and Montauk. Visibility will drop in blowing spray, and the combination of long-period swell and onshore flow could drive dangerous surf, beach erosion, and minor coastal flooding at times of high tide along the south shore.
Mariners should plan to remain in port, secure lines, check bilge pumps and scuppers, and review moorings well ahead of deteriorating conditions. Recreational boaters, surfers, and anglers should avoid inlets and jetties where breaking waves and rip currents will become life-threatening. Ferry operators (NY Waterway, Seastreak, Fire Island ferries) could face delays or cancellations as seas steepen; check carrier alerts before traveling. Shore interests should bring in loose gear, and beach communities should prepare for overwash in vulnerable spots.
Conditions begin to subside Monday, but residual swell and rip currents may linger into early next week. Continue to monitor statements from NWS New York (Upton) and local emergency management.
