Urgent – Marine Weather Message
Special Marine Statement – High Surfs
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
7:30 PM Monday, 29 January 2018
A Special Marine Statement for High Surfs Remain in Effect for Antigua and Barbuda and the Rest of
the Leeward Islands Until Wednesday, 31 January 2018.
A combination of northly swells and wind waves will create hazardous breaking waves, life threatening
rip currents and potentially flooding of some low-lying coastal areas.
High surf (sea-bather) warning in effect for Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the area.
Breaking waves: 2 to 3.7 metres or 6 to 12 feet, occasionally reaching 4.5 metres or reaching 15 feet,
mainly tonight and Tuesday. Swells will subside significantly after Tuesday.
Coastal flooding: High tides combine with onshore wind and swell actions will likely result in some coastal
flooding and beach erosion, mainly around high tides.
Locations (to be) affected: Mainly northern and eastern facing beaches and more so for the British Virgin
Islands, Anguilla and Barbuda.
Timing: High risk of rip currents and high surfs tonight through Thursday. High risk of some coastal
flooding, mainly today through Tuesday.
Impacts (possible/likely): Loss of life – strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to
sea; injuries to beach-goers; 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
and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off of exposed rocks
and jetties. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbours making navigating the Harbour channel
dangerous.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A high surf warning means that high surf will affect beaches in the
advisory area, producing beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. Beachgoers should avoid
the waters, especially those on the northern and eastern sides of the islands.
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 in the vicinity of structures such as groins such as jetties and piers.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Forecaster: Dale Destin
