Small craft advisory in effect, above normal sea swells

This alert message is valid from Saturday, December 24, 2022 and will be updated at 12 noon on Christmas Day or sooner if conditions warrant. 

A small-craft advisory is issued in this case when sustained winds of 20 to 25 knots and/or sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (8 to 10 feet) are affecting or forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours. 

Hazard Info:

A low-pressure system in the northern Atlantic is currently generating above-normal sea swells. This in conjunction with sustained 20 to 25 knots (25 to 45 km/h) surface winds produced by the Atlantic high pressure system will maintain moderate to rough swells in open water near Barbados, ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters (7 to 10 ft) over the weekend and into next week. 

The Barbados Meteorological Services, therefore, continues to urge small craft operators and sea bathers to exercise extreme caution. 

Key Message:

All marine craft operators and beachgoers should note the following possibilities along the coast and near shore due to the imminent marine threat —

• Large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels.

• Operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to large swells. (PR)