Urgent – Marine Weather Message
High Surf Advisory
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service
5:15 pm Saturday, 16 November 2024
…High surf advisory for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands…
Affected Areas and Timing:
Reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with gently to moderately sloping nearshore areas are under advisory. For St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat, the advisory remains in effect until Sunday midday. For Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, it lasts from midnight until Thursday morning, while Antigua and Barbuda will experience these conditions from dawn until Thursday morning.
Synopsis:
Moderate long-period swells are creating hazardous conditions along northern and north-facing coastlines. These swells, with heights of 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), could result in life-threatening surfs and rip currents. The advisory warns of significant threats to life, livelihood, property, and infrastructure for those using the affected coastlines.
Sea and Swell Conditions:
Significant wave heights range from 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet), occasionally reaching 3.1 metres (10 feet). Swell periods of 9 to 12 seconds have been observed, with swells primarily from the north at heights of 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet). Breaking swells or surfs may exceed 2.1 metres (7 feet) in height, with the potential for rip currents to develop.
High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could also cause localized flooding and beach erosion.
Potential Impacts:
Hazardous conditions may result in strong currents capable of carrying swimmers out to sea, injuries to beachgoers, and significant beach erosion. Additional risks include seawater splashing onto coastal roads, interruptions to marine recreation and businesses, damage to coral reefs, and disruptions to potable water systems from saltwater intrusion.
Precautionary Measures:
Beachgoers should exercise extreme caution, swimming only in areas supervised by lifeguards or on sheltered southern beaches. Rocky coastlines are particularly dangerous under these conditions.
Rip currents, powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, are especially hazardous. If caught in one, relax and float, avoid swimming against the current, and try to move parallel to the shoreline. If escape is not possible, wave or call for help.
Stay Informed:
Monitor updates from the Meteorological Office via antiguamet.com, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube @abmetservice. Updates are also available through other media platforms.
Forecaster:
Letitia Humphreys
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