Alert Details Update Sent
Message c3d51f13-4e3a-4905-8789-118f445cfd5e from ABMS_Met_Office sent at 10:37:04 on 2020-09-12
Status / Scope / Type Actual / Public / Update
References
Referenced by
No references
Info
Language
EN
Alert summary
Urgent Marine Message - High Surf Warning Downgraded to an Advisory for Eastern and Northern Shorelines Until Sunday
Effective
10:37:04 2020-09-12
Expires
09:37:04 2020-09-13
Description
Synopsis: Moderate, long period swells, from Tropical Storm Paulette, are impacting the area, mainly eastern and northern coastlines. 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.
Seas: 1.5 to 2.5 metres (5 to 8 feet), occasionally or locally reaching 3 metres (10 feet). Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds. Swells: Northeast at 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 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. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbours making navigating the harbour channel dangerous.
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.
Instructions
Beachgoers should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the west and 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
FM Radio Interrupt
Smartphones
Email