Boston, Massachusetts – Gale-force winds and heavy freezing spray are creating dangerous marine conditions across much of southern New England, with some hazards persisting into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, Gale Warnings remain in effect early Sunday for multiple marine zones, while Heavy Freezing Spray Warnings continue through 7 a.m. EST Monday.
In Narragansett Bay, northwest winds of 20 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 35 knots, prompted a gale warning through 7 a.m. Sunday, while heavy freezing spray continues well beyond the wind threat. Along the open Atlantic waters, including areas east of Ipswich Bay, Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, and waters south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, northwest winds of 25 to 40 knots are generating seas of 4 to 11 feet. Gale warnings for these zones extend through 1 p.m. Sunday.
Additional gale conditions affect Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay, Rhode Island Sound, and Block Island Sound early Sunday morning. While winds gradually ease later in the day, freezing spray remains a significant hazard across all warned waters.
The National Weather Service warns that freezing spray rates may reach 2 centimeters per hour or greater, allowing ice to rapidly accumulate on decks, railings, and superstructures. Ice accretion can disable mechanical and electronic systems and may result in a catastrophic loss of vessel stability, even after winds diminish.
The U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to ensure life-saving equipment remains free of ice during freezing spray conditions.
Mariners are strongly urged to remain in port, seek safe harbor, or delay travel until conditions improve. These conditions are especially dangerous for small vessels, fishing boats, and inexperienced operators navigating exposed waters.
