High Surf Advisory in Effect for Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a high surf advisory for the islands as moderate long-period swells are expected to impact mainly northern and northern-facing coastlines over the weekend. The advisory is in effect until Monday midnight for Barbuda and from Sunday afternoon until early Monday for Antigua.

Officials warn that breaking waves could reach 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), creating dangerous conditions including strong rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion. Swells are forecast to reach 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet) and may occasionally peak at 3.1 metres (10 feet), with surfs often higher than the swell itself, depending on local sea floor conditions.

The Meteorological Services emphasized that life-threatening currents could affect even the strongest swimmers. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid swimming on exposed coastlines, stay on sheltered beaches, and only enter the water where lifeguards are present. Beachgoers are urged to remain alert and follow safety advice if caught in a rip current: float, swim parallel to shore, and signal for help if needed.

Potential impacts include injuries, disruptions to marine recreation, saltwater intrusion affecting drinking water, and damage to coral reefs and coastal infrastructure. Authorities also caution that high tides combined with onshore winds and large swells may worsen localized coastal flooding.

The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Meteorological Services through antiguamet.com, social media @abmetservice, and local radio and television stations to stay informed on the latest developments.