Alert Details Update Sent
Message 10bddc19-1cad-405f-89ec-11aaa8b1d044 from ABMS_Met_Office sent at 16:03:07 on 2020-09-11
Status / Scope / Type Actual / Public / Update
References
Referenced by
Info
Language
EN
Alert summary
Urgent Marine Message - High Surf Warning is in Effect Until Saturday Morning for Eastern and Northern Shorelines.
Effective
16:03:07 2020-09-11
Expires
15:03:07 2020-09-12
Description
Synopsis: Moderate, long period swells, from Tropical Storm Paulette, are impacting the area, mainly eastern and northern coastlines. The threat level is high and there is the potential for extensive impacts to the life and property of persons using some affected coastlines. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents.
Seas: 2 to 2.8 metres (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching 3.5 metres (12 feet). Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds. Swells: Northeast at 2 to 2.8 metres (6 to 9 feet) and occasionally higher.
Surfs (breaking swells): Over 3 metres (over 10 feet). These conditions will be very 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.
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; disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; salt water 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 warning means that dangerous battering waves, with surfs of over 3 metres or over 10 feet, will pound some shorelines in the forecast area, producing life-threatening conditions.
Instructions
No one should enter the waters of the affected areas, especially on the eastern and northern sides of the islands. All are also urged to stay away from rocky and or coastal structures along beaches in the affected areas.
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
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