small craft advisory

noun

, Meteorology.

1. a U.S. National Weather Service advisory of sustained winds, over coastal and inland waters, with speeds of 20–33 knots (23–38 miles per hour, 10–17 meters per second). Regional NWS offices have discretion over the choice of the lower limit.
2. an advisory of potentially dangerous sea surface conditions, as high swells, that are not directly related to local winds, accompanied by the reason for the advisory. Compare advisory ( def 5 ).

Example Sentences

The National Weather Service, however, had issued a small craft advisory before the group headed out early Saturday, warning that the weekend could bring dangerous conditions for small boats, according to Dial Hoang, a weather service meteorologist in the Bay Area.

From Los Angeles Times

A small craft advisory was issued Thursday as winds gusted from 10 to 20 knots along the coast.

From Los Angeles Times

The National Weather Service in Seattle had issued a small craft advisory and a gale warning Monday along the coast for strong winds and hazardous seas.

From Seattle Times

The Coast Guard issued a small craft advisory through the weekend because of the severe weather between Florida and the Bahamas.

From Washington Times

“I vow to continue to put my trust in you even if we are sailing in a small craft advisory,” Ms. Drucker said.

From New York Times

Related Words

• forecast