The U.S. National Weather Service on Thursday issued a series of Special Marine Warnings spanning much of the Northeast coastline, with advisories in effect through 9:30 p.m. EDT on 3 July. Offices in New York, Boston and Mount Holly, New Jersey reported strong thunderstorms capable of producing winds of at least 34 knots, steep waves and frequent lightning. The warnings cover Long Island Sound east and west of New Haven, Narragansett, Buzzards and Cape Cod bays, Block Island and Rhode Island sounds, as well as near-shore waters from Sandy Hook to Fire Island and south to Little Egg and Great Egg inlets. Mariners in these zones were urged to seek safe harbor immediately. Earlier in the day, NWS Miami issued similar advisories for coastal waters between Jupiter Inlet and Ocean Reef, including Biscayne Bay, until 1:45 p.m. EDT. The alerts come as recreational and commercial traffic increases ahead of the Independence Day weekend, raising the likelihood of schedule disruptions for ferry operators and pleasure craft.