High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a high surf advisory for Antigua and Barbuda and several islands in the Eastern Caribbean, warning of potentially life-threatening conditions along northern and eastern coastlines.

The advisory comes in addition to the small craft advisory already in effect for Antigua and Barbuda until midnight tonight.

According to meteorologists, moderate long-period swells are creating hazardous conditions primarily along northern and east-facing shores. Wave heights are reaching 7 to 10 feet, occasionally rising to 12 feet, with swells coming from the north and northeast at 5 to 6 feet and occasionally higher.

The high surf advisory will remain in effect until Saturday afternoon for Antigua, until Saturday evening for Barbuda, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, and until Friday evening for St. Kitts.

Officials have classified the threat level as moderate with potential for significant impacts. These include strong currents that can carry even skilled swimmers out to sea, injuries to beachgoers, beach erosion, and seawater splashing onto low-lying coastal roads.

The meteorological service also warned that high tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion in some areas.

Authorities are advising beachgoers to exercise extreme caution, especially on the affected northern coastlines. Swimming is recommended only where lifeguards are present or on sheltered, less affected beaches mainly to the south.

Those caught in a rip current are advised not to swim against it, but rather to relax, float, and if possible, swim parallel to the shoreline until free of the current. If unable to escape, facing the shore and calling for help is recommended.