Published 4 March 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
The following was issued by the Antigua Met Office Urgent – Marine Weather Message
Special Marine Statement – High Surfs
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services
9:30 PM Saturday, 3 March 2018
A special marine statement for high surfs is in effect for the British Virgin Islands from 8 am Sunday; for
Anguilla from 12 midday Sunday and Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Leeward Islands from 2
pm Sunday, March 4, 2018 until 4 pm Friday, 9 March 2018.
Northly swells will cause hazardous breaking waves (high surfs), life threatening rip currents and
potentially flooding of some low-lying coastal areas.
High surf (sea-bather) warning is in effect especially for exposed and shallow coastal areas.
High surfs (breaking swells): Seas of 2.5 to 4.5 metres or 8 to 15 feet and occasionally higher, with
breaking waves up to 5.5 metres or 18 feet, mainly on northern shorelines of the British Virgin Islands,
Anguilla and Barbuda.
Coastal flooding: High tides combine with onshore wind and swell actions is expected to result in some
coastal flooding and beach erosion, especially around high tides.
Locations (to be) affected: Mainly exposed and shallow northern facing beaches of the region. The more
northerly islands such as Barbuda, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands will be especially impacted.
Timing: Sunday through Friday.
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.
