Urgent – Marine Weather Message–CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
High Surf Advisory
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service
11:15 am Sunday 29th December, 2024
…High surf advisory for Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands…
Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.
Timing:
- Until Wednesday morning for Montserrat
- Until Thursday afternoon for Anguilla
- Until Thursday evening for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, and the British Virgin Islands
- Until Thursday night for Barbuda
Synopsis:
Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and causing hazardous conditions along mainly northern and north-facing coastlines.
The threat level to life, livelihood, property, and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate, with the potential for significant impacts.
These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents at the coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 meters or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.
Sea (significant wave heights):
1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.1 meters (10 feet). Swell period: 9 to 10 seconds. Swells north at 1.5 to 2.1 meters (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher.
Surf (breaking swells):
Over 1.5 meters (over 5 feet). These conditions are conducive to dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.
Coastal Flooding:
High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Potential Impacts:
Loss of life – Strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions:
Residents, particularly those on the northern and north-facing coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is required by those using the affected nearshore or rocky coastlines.
Avoid entering the water if unsure of conditions. Move quickly away from shore, which occurs most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar near structures such as groins, jetties, and piers.
If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current; swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Please continue to monitor these hazards, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates from the Meteorological Office via antiguamet.com, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube @abmetservice. Also, stay tuned to other media platforms for updates.
Forecaster: H Humphreys
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