Small Craft Advisory vs. Gale Warning

Small craft & gale winds are types of advisories and warning issued by the National Weather Service. Small craft advisories are usually issued when winds gust up to 28 knots (32 mph). Gale warnings are issued in the existence of winds of gale force or above or the imminent occurrence of gales at sea. Gale warning occurs when sustained winds are between 28­­-47 knots (32-54 mph). The purpose of small craft & gale warnings are to allow mariners to take precautionary actions to ensure their safety at sea. The insignia denoting a small craft advisory is one red, triangular flag and that of a gale warning is two such flags placed one above the other.