10th March 2018 – A special marine statement for high surfs is in effect for Antigua, the rest of the Leeward Islands and the
British Virgin Islands until Monday.
Long northly swells will continue to cause hazardous breaking waves and life-threatening rip currents.
High surf (sea-bather) advisory is in effect, mainly for exposed and shallow coastal areas.
High surfs (breaking swells): Swells of 1.5 to 2 metres or 5 to 6 feet and occasionally higher, with breaking
waves (surfs) up to 2.5 metres or 8 feet, mainly on northern and eastern shorelines of the more northerly
islands.
Coastal flooding: High tides combine with onshore wind and swell actions will result in localized beach
erosion, especially around high tides.
Locations (to be) affected: Mainly exposed and shallow northern and eastern facing beaches.
Timing: Until Monday.
Impacts (possible/likely/expected): 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;
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.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A high surf advisory means that dangerous high surfs will affect
beaches in the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions.
Beachgoers should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less
affected beaches on the south.
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.
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.
Forecaster: Dale Destin
