The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an urgent high surf advisory warning residents and visitors of hazardous marine conditions expected to impact northern coastlines beginning Wednesday morning.

Dangerous surf reaching 6 to 10 feet will batter reefs and exposed northern-facing beaches across Antigua and Barbuda from Wednesday morning through Saturday midday, according to forecaster Letitia Humphreys.

The advisory, warns of life-threatening rip currents and coastal flooding that could put lives at risk.

“Hazardous marine conditions are affecting reefs and exposed northern and northern-facing coastlines, especially areas with shallow to moderately sloping nearshore waters,” the meteorological service stated.

Sea conditions are forecast to reach 8 to 11 feet, with occasional swells approaching 13 feet, driven by long-period swells of approximately 10 seconds. The combination creates particularly dangerous conditions for swimmers, beachgoers, and marine operations.

The advisory extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda to affect the broader Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands, though timing varies by location. St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Montserrat, face the longest exposure with conditions persisting through Sunday night. Anguilla’s advisory runs until Saturday morning, while the British Virgin Islands can expect hazardous conditions through Saturday dawn.

Authorities warn the dangerous surf could result in injuries or loss of life, beach erosion, damage to coral reefs, and disruptions to marine businesses. Coastal flooding and sea splash may affect low-lying coastal roads, while saltwater intrusion could impact desalination facilities that provide drinking water to island communities.

The meteorological service is urging the public to avoid affected beaches and rocky shorelines entirely. Those who must visit coastal areas should swim only at beaches with lifeguard supervision and consider using sheltered southern-facing beaches instead. Officials strongly advise staying off exposed rocks, jetties, and reefs during the advisory period.

For anyone caught in a rip current, officials stress the importance of remaining calm and floating rather than fighting the current. Swimmers should attempt to move parallel to the shore when possible and signal for help if unable to escape the current’s pull.

Marine operators and coastal businesses should prepare for possible closures and disruptions to normal operations throughout the multi-day event.