High Surf Advisory in Effect for Antigua and Barbuda

The MET Office has issued a High Surf Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.

According to Climatologist Dale Destin, some areas may require a high surf warning around midweek when the highest seas and swells are expected.

He said in his forecast that the reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping nearshore areas would be affected.

The moderate long-period swells are reaching the area, mainly causing hazardous conditions along mainly northern and north-facing coastlines.

The threat level to the life, livelihood, property, and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate to high with the potential for significant to extensive impacts. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected 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.

The seas (significant wave heights) would be between 2.1 to 3.7 meters (7 to 12 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 5 meters (16 feet).

The swell period would be between 9 to 14 seconds, with swells northerly at 1.5 to 2.4 meters (5 to 8 feet) and occasionally higher.

The highest seas and swells are expected Tuesday night through Wednesday night when a high surf warning may be required.

Surfs (breaking swells) would be over 2 meters (over 6 feet), and these conditions are conducive for 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.

High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Loss of life, 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 are some of the potential impacts. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

To stay safe, beachgoers, especially those in the mainly affected 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 also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties, and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float.

Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Please keep monitoring these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the Meteorological Office via antiguamet.com, twitter.com/abmetservice, and facebook.com/abmetservice. Also, stay tuned to ABS Radio and TV along with other media platforms for updates