26th January 2019 – Whilst stable conditions will prevail across the area, a strong surface high pressure system will continue to maintain a moderate to fresh wind flow and elevated sea conditions thus keeping a High Surf Advisory in place.
Hazardous seas, due to fresh winds, are expected to be a threat to life and property of mariners.
Winds: East at 22 to 37 km/h (12 to 20 knots) with strong gusts reaching around 52 km/h or 28 knots, mainly over open waters and the more northerly islands.
Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 2.8 metres (7 to 9 feet), occasionally reaching 3.5 metres (12 feet).
Locations (to be) affected: Open waters, mainly on the windward side of the islands.
Timing: Until Sunday.
Impacts (possible/likely/expected): Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or seas (mainly wind waves) of 7 feet or greater are expected to produce hazardous wave conditions to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.
Persons at home and abroad are encouraged to download the DDM’s Alert app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.
You can also visit the DDM’s webpage at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm.
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.
