Alert archive / New York / Small Craft Advisories in 2026

Small Craft Advisory 37, NWS Buffalo, NY

April 18, 2026

NWS Buffalo, NY issued this small craft advisory at Apr 18, 2026, 11:19 PM EDT. It was in force for 4 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Apr 18, 2026, 11:19 PM EDT (03:19 UTC)
Expired
Apr 19, 2026, 3:39 AM EDT
In force
4 hr
Issued by
NWS Buffalo, NY

The text

As transmitted.

295 
WHUS71 KBUF 190319
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1119 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

LEZ040-041-190900-
/O.NEW.KBUF.SC.Y.0037.260419T0319Z-260419T0900Z/
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo-
1119 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EDT SUNDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 knots and waves 3 to 5 feet.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Erie from Ripley to 
  Buffalo.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions 
  that could capsize or damage small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

LOZ044-045-191130-
/O.CON.KBUF.SC.Y.0036.260419T1800Z-260420T1800Z/
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Sodus Bay to Mexico Bay-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Mexico Bay to the Saint
Lawrence River-
1119 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM SUNDAY TO
2 PM EDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 6 feet 
  expected.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Ontario from Sodus Bay to 
  the Saint Lawrence River.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Sunday to 2 PM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions 
  that could capsize or damage small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

LOZ043-191130-
/O.CON.KBUF.SC.Y.0036.260420T0300Z-260420T1800Z/
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Hamlin Beach to Sodus Bay-
1119 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM SUNDAY TO
2 PM EDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 5 feet 
  expected.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Ontario from Hamlin Beach 
  to Sodus Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 PM Sunday to 2 PM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions 
  that could capsize or damage small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$
1 follow-up statement
462 
WHUS71 KBUF 190739
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
339 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026

LEZ040-041-191545-
/O.CAN.KBUF.SC.Y.0037.000000T0000Z-260419T0900Z/
/O.EXB.KBUF.SC.Y.0036.260419T1500Z-260420T0300Z/
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo-
339 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 5 feet 
  expected.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Erie from Ripley to 
  Buffalo.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions 
  that could capsize or damage small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

LOZ044-045-191545-
/O.CON.KBUF.SC.Y.0036.260419T1800Z-260420T1800Z/
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Sodus Bay to Mexico Bay-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Mexico Bay to the Saint
Lawrence River-
339 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 2 PM EDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 6 feet 
  expected.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Ontario from Sodus Bay to 
  the Saint Lawrence River.

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 2 PM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions 
  that could capsize or damage small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

LOZ043-191545-
/O.CON.KBUF.SC.Y.0036.260420T0300Z-260420T1800Z/
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Hamlin Beach to Sodus Bay-
339 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING
TO 2 PM EDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 20 knots and waves 3 to 5 feet 
  expected.

* WHERE...The nearshore waters of Lake Ontario from Hamlin Beach 
  to Sodus Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 2 PM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Winds and/or waves will cause hazardous conditions 
  that could capsize or damage small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this small craft advisory went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Buffalo, NY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this small craft advisory went out at Apr 18, 7:24 PM EDT, 3 hours 55 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) Line of rain showers with pockets of heavy rain passing from west to east this evening with a marginal risk for flooding. 2) Below average temperatures return late in the weekend, however more seasonal temperatures will arrive by Tuesday.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 18, 7:24 PM EDT, 3 hours 55 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
724 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
The risk for severe weather has diminished.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Line of rain showers with pockets of heavy rain passing from west
to east this evening with a marginal risk for flooding.

2) Below average temperatures return late in the weekend, however
more seasonal temperatures will arrive by Tuesday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Line of rain showers with pockets of heavy rain
passing from west to east this evening with a marginal risk
for flooding.

A narrow ribbon of moisture (PWATs of 1.25-1.5") has surged into the
region ahead of an inbound cold front late this evening, supporting
a a line of rain showers passing across the region. With the leading
edge now passing across the Finger Lakes region, there hasn't been
any reports of stronger winds or thunder. While hydro concerns
remain low at this time, locally heavy rainfall is possible. Main
concerns stem from sensitive antecedent conditons in areas of more
complex terrain, such as in the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and
perhaps the Tug Hill region.

KEY MESSAGE 2...Below average temperatures return late in the
weekend, however more seasonal temperatures will arrive by Tuesday.

A pattern change is expected late this weekend as a deep upper level
trough moves across the Great Lakes region and the Northeast. A
return to well below normal temperatures and the chance for snow
showers will begin this Sunday.

A west-northwest flow is expected across the region Sunday. Cold air
advection and daytime heating will strengthen low-level lapse rates
through the day. An increase in PVA and large scale ascent will move
across the region. A mix of rain and snow showers is expected to
develop across western NY with a focus of showers along a
convergence zone from the Buffalo Metro to the Finger Lakes region.
Showers are also possible across the Saint Lawrence Valley through
Sunday afternoon. A secondary cold front is expected to move through
the region Sunday night with 850mb temperatures falling to -12C
Monday. Snow showers are possible at times Sunday night through
Monday. Little to no accumulation is expected.

A strong upper level ridge will build into the Plains and Mid-West
through mid-week before moving into the Great Lakes region late in
the week. Day-to-day warming is expected across the region.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Line of rain showers in association of a passing cold front is in
the midst of passing the region this evening supporting a mix of VFR
to LIFR conditions, due to lowering CIGS and VIS. The leading edge
of the showers are to soon enter the KART terminal dropping CIGS and
VIS down to MVFR conditions within the hour.

A more prolonged period of IFR and MVFR post cold front this evening
and thorugh the overnight time period along with scattered rain
showers mixing with and changing to snow.

Winds behind the cold front will veer to northwesterly tonight and
into Sunday. Sunday, daytime increased mixing heights will
promote gusts into the low to mid 20 knot range by late morning.

Outlook...

Sunday night...A mix of MVFR/IFR with upslope/lake effect rain
showers mixing with and changing to snow showers.

Monday...Improvement to VFR with leftover scattered lake
effect/upslope snow showers ending.

Tuesday...Mainly VFR with a chance of rain showers.

Wednesday and Thursday...Mainly VFR.

&&

.MARINE...
Southerly winds will continue at 15-20 knots this afternoon with the
more significant wave action directed into Canadian waters. A cold
front will approach the region this afternoon, showers and embedded
thunderstorms will overspread the waters from west to east. Some of
these thunderstorms may produce brief high wind gusts and wave
action. Special Marine Warnings may need to be issued.

Winds will shift westerly and diminish some behind the front this
evening. Elevated winds will continue with higher wave heights
turning more onshore, before winds subside to 10 knots or less late.

Cold air deepening across the lakes and an increasing pressure
gradient will cause westerly winds to freshen Sunday. Winds will
turn northwesterly Sunday night and remain elevated into Monday
morning with speeds near 20 knots. This will support a period of
small craft headlines on Lake Ontario and possibly Lake Erie.

&&

.BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NY...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 11 PM Sunday to 2 PM EDT Monday for
         LOZ043.
         Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM Sunday to 2 PM EDT Monday
         for LOZ044-045.

&&

DISCUSSION...EAJ/HSK/TMA
AVIATION...EAJ
MARINE...EAJ/TMA
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 18, 1:17 PM EDT, 10 hours 2 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
117 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

NYZ004>008-191730-
Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis-
117 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western and north
central New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Heavy showers and isolated to scattered thunderstorms may produce
minor ponding or localized flooding due to the saturated ground
tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

This product, along with other watches, warnings, advisories, and
statements issued by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo
can be found on the internet at http://www.weather.gov/buf

LOZ044-045-064-065-SLZ022-024-191730-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Sodus Bay to Mexico Bay-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Mexico Bay to the Saint Lawrence
River-Lake Ontario open waters from Sodus Bay to Mexico Bay-
Lake Ontario open waters from Mexico Bay to the Saint Lawrence River-
Saint Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg-
Saint Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Saint Regis-
117 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Ontario and
Saint Lawrence River.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

This product, along with other watches, warnings, advisories, and
statements issued by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo
can be found on the internet at http://www.weather.gov/buf

NYZ001>003-010>014-019>021-085-191730-
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-
Ontario-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
117 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and
early this evening with damaging winds as the main hazard. Heavy
showers and isolated to scattered thunderstorms may produce minor
ponding or localized flooding due to the saturated ground through
tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

This product, along with other watches, warnings, advisories, and
statements issued by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo
can be found on the internet at http://www.weather.gov/buf

LEZ020-040-041-LOZ030-042-043-062-063-191730-
Upper Niagara River and Buffalo Harbor-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo-
Lower Niagara River-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from the Niagara River to Hamlin Beach-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from Hamlin Beach to Sodus Bay-
Lake Ontario open waters from the Niagara River to Hamlin Beach-
Lake Ontario open waters from Hamlin Beach to Sodus Bay-
117 PM EDT Sat Apr 18 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Erie and Lake
Ontario.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible this
afternoon and early this evening bringing the potential for locally
stronger winds and higher waves.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

This product, along with other watches, warnings, advisories, and
statements issued by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo
can be found on the internet at http://www.weather.gov/buf

Nearby

Small Craft Advisories in New York, 2026Every small craft advisory in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.