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HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

January 15, 2024266Views

Synopsis: Moderate long-period swells are forecast to reach the area again and cause hazardous conditions along mainly northern and eastern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is to rise to moderate with the potential for significant impacts. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.8 to 2.7 meters (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.5 meters (12 feet). Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds. Swells: Northeasterly at 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) and occasionally higher.

Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 meters (over 6 feet). These conditions are 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.

Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

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.

Forecaster: Dale Destin