Alert Details Alert Sent
Message e1245785-c32f-46bb-a718-ad3bd561be74 from ABMS_Met_Office sent at 03:14:40 on 2020-12-22
Status / Scope / Type Actual / Public / Alert
References
No references
Referenced by
No references
Info
Language
EN
Alert summary
High surf advisory in effect until Saturday
Effective
03:14:40 2020-12-22
Expires
04:14:40 2020-12-22
Description
Synopsis: Moderate, long period swells, from a strong low-pressure system over the northern Atlantic, are impacting the area, mainly the northern and north-facing coastlines, including eastern coastlines by Thursday. The threat level is moderate, and there is the potential for significant impacts to the life and property of persons using affected coastlines. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents near some coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.
Seas: 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4 metres (over 12 feet), mainly on Thursday. Swell period: 10 to 14 seconds. Swells: North becoming northeast by Thursday at 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 6 feet) and occasionally higher.
Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions will be conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the near shore areas.
Coastal flooding: High tides combine with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Potential Impacts: Loss of life - strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.
Instructions
Beachgoers should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Please continue to monitor these hazardous, life-threatening marine conditions. Stay tuned to updates coming out of the Met Office via antiguamet.com and facebook.com/abmetservice
Contact
ABMS Met Office at 462-3017, if confirmation of this message is needed.
Category
Met
Safety
Affected areas
Antigua
Barbuda
Attached Media
Urgency / Severity / Certainty
Immediate / Moderate / Observed
Sent by
Dale Destin
Event code(s)
SAME = CEM
Allow activation of
Sirens
Smartphones
FM Radio Interrupt
Cable TV Interrupt
Email