Atlantic Offshore Waters – Gale-force winds, heavy freezing spray, and large seas are creating dangerous conditions across offshore waters of the western North Atlantic on Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center in Washington, D.C., Gale Warnings and Heavy Freezing Spray Warnings remain in effect for multiple offshore marine zones extending from south of Long Island to waters off the Mid-Atlantic, ranging from beyond 20 nautical miles to as far as 250 nautical miles offshore.
In the Hudson Canyon to Baltimore Canyon zone, northwest winds of 25 to 35 knots are expected Sunday, generating seas of 9 to 16 feet. Heavy freezing spray is forecast through the day, with a chance of snow during the morning hours. Winds gradually diminish overnight, though moderate freezing spray and seas of 8 to 14 feet will continue.
Farther north, offshore waters south of Long Island between Montauk Point and Sandy Hook will see northwest winds of 30 to 35 knots, easing slightly later in the day. Seas are forecast to range from 9 to 15 feet, with heavy freezing spray continuing through Sunday and moderating overnight.
The Ocean Prediction Center warns that freezing spray can rapidly accumulate on decks, rigging, and superstructures, potentially disabling vessel systems and causing severe stability issues. Combined with high seas and strong winds, conditions may pose a serious risk to commercial vessels and offshore operations.
Conditions are expected to slowly improve beginning Monday, with diminishing winds, lower seas, and lighter freezing spray. However, hazardous marine conditions will persist into early Monday, especially for vessels operating in exposed offshore waters.
Mariners are urged to avoid affected offshore zones, delay departures, or seek safer routes until warnings expire. These conditions are particularly dangerous for winter fishing fleets and long-haul offshore transits.
