Published 31 October 2024
St Kitts, Basseterre,
Buckie Got It Media Source
HIGH SURF ADVISORY
Urgent – Marine Weather Message
High Surf Advisory
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service
8:15 am Thursday 31st October, 2024
…High surf advisory for Antigua, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis…
Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively
shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.
Timing: Until midnight for Antigua (will be upgraded to a warning thereafter)
Until Sunday midnight for Montserrat
Until Monday night for St. Kitts and Nevis
Synopsis: Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and causing hazardous conditions
along mainly northern and north-facing coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property
and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is 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 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet), occasionally or locally reaching
near 3.1 metres (10 feet). Swell period: 9 to 11 seconds. Swells: North-northeast becoming
northeast from Friday midday at 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher
Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 7 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.
Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in
localised 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; localised disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage
to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs
can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.
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. Stay tuned to
updates from the Meteorological Office via antiguamet.com, and Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
@abmetservice. Also, stay tuned to ABS Radio and TV and other media platforms for updates.
Forecaster: Lorne Salmon
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