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HIGH SWELL EVENT CONTINUES TO IMPACT THE BVI

HIGH SWELL EVENT CONTINUES TO IMPACT THE BVI

5th March 2018 – A large and strong low-pressure system over the Atlantic will continue to push large and dangerous swells to the shores of the islands; high surf, coastal flood and small craft warnings remain in effect.

Dangerous marine conditions are expected to continue with seas up to 15 feet or more with breaking waves of 25 feet.

The highest seas are expected to continue impacting the territory today with swell conditions continuing into the later part of this week.

Impacts (possible/likely): 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 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 warning means that high surf will affect beaches in the warning area, producing beach erosion and especially dangerous swimming conditions. Beachgoers should avoid the waters, mainly on the northern sides of the islands.

A coastal flood advisory is issued for minor coastal flooding of the most vulnerable shore roads due to the height of storm tide or wave splash over.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and/or seas of 7 feet or greater are expected to produce hazardous conditions to small crafts. Inexperienced mariners especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

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 such as jetties and piers.

Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website at   bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates.

Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government 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.