Met office issues small craft and high surf advisories

A small-craft advisory and a high surf advisory are in effect for Barbados.

The small-craft alert is issued when sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (8 to 10 feet) is forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours, while the high surf advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses or is forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone during the next 36 hours.

The low-pressure system located in the central Atlantic near 28N 53W is generating northerly swell heights which are propagating southward in the Barbados marine area. Above-normal northerly swells are expected to increase from Friday, 9th December and persist over the weekend.

During this time, moderate to rough northerly swells in open water ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 meters ( 7 to 10 ft ) are forecast for northern and eastern coastlines. While northerly swell heights of 1.5 to 2.5 meters ( 5 to 8 ft ) are forecast for northwestern and western coastlines. However, these swell heights along with their northerly component will produce unsafe sea conditions for sea bathers and mariners, particularly along the northern and western coasts.

All marine operators and beachgoers should note the following possibilities:

• Expect frequent overtopping of waves onto property and roads in very close proximity to the shoreline.
• Extensive damage to coastal homes and roads is possible.
• Some beach erosion is inevitable with most or all beaches submerged completely.
• Possible loss of life or injury.
• Expect delays in the port due to possible closures or berthing challenges.

This alert message is valid from 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2022 and will be updated at 6:00 p. m. Saturday, December 10, 2022 or sooner if conditions warrant.

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