A gale watch covers Block Island and Rhode Island sounds Friday evening through Saturday, October 16–17.
NWS Boston/Norton's 12:57 p.m. October 14 message forecasts northwest winds of 20–25 knots, gusts to 35 knots and possible 4–7-foot seas. The watch runs from 6 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, Eastern time.
A later watch, issued by NWS New York at 2:23 p.m., covers ocean waters from Sandy Hook to Montauk. It ends at 6 p.m. Saturday. Seas of 4–7 feet are possible within 20 nautical miles of shore; 6–9 feet farther offshore, out to 60 nautical miles.
The separate Montauk–Martha's Vineyard zone south of Block Island retains Friday evening–Saturday evening coverage and possible 6–9-foot seas. Its small-craft advisory continues until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
A watch signals a risk of gale-force conditions with timing or occurrence still uncertain, NWS explains. It is not a report that those conditions are occurring now.
These are marine notices, not a land-based storm warning or a gale watch for all Long Island Sound. NWS identifies Sound waters east of the Connecticut River as separate zone ANZ332.
For southeastern Connecticut boaters heading into the watched waters, NWS advises considering changed plans, staying in port or securing vessels. Check the forecast for your exact route before departure.