Urgent – Marine Weather Message
High Surf Warning
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
11:30 am Friday 10th January 2025
…High surf warning for the British Virgin Islands…
Locations to be affected: Reefs and mainly exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively
shallow, gentle to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.
Timing: Tonight until Sunday midday for the British Virgin Islands
Synopsis: Rising moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and causing very hazardous conditions
mainly along northern and north-facing coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and
infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is high, with the potential for extensive impacts. These
swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents for affected coastlines. A high surf warning
means that dangerous battering surfs of over 3 metres or over 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the warning area, producing very hazardous conditions.
Seas (significant wave heights): 2.4 to 3.7 metres (8 to 12 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4.3
metres (14 feet). Swell period: 10 to 12 seconds. Swells: North at 2.4 to 3.4 metres (8 to 11 feet) and
occasionally higher.
Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2.4 metres (over 8 feet). These conditions will be very conducive to dangerous
rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the
bathymetry of the nearshore areas.
Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions will result in 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; 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 actions: No one should enter the waters of the main warning areas. All are also urged to avoid
rocky and or coastal structures along affected coastlines.
A high surf advisory remains in effect for beaches on the west and south sides. Bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is still required
by those using these alternate 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.
Forecaster: Letitia Humphreys
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not a Meteorological Office. Information the Department shares is gathered from several professional sources contracted by the Department. This information should be used as a guide for anyone interested in local weather conditions. By no means can DDM or the Government of the Virgin Islands be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision, which may result in the loss of finances, property or life
