Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect as rough seas persist

A Small Craft and High Surf Advisory remains in effect for Barbados as rough sea conditions continue to affect the island’s coastal and marine areas.

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) said sea conditions remain agitated due to strong Atlantic winds, with open-water swells ranging between 2.5 and 3.0 metres. These conditions are expected to persist through the remainder of the week, before improving over the weekend.

As a result, small craft operators are being warned that large swells could make marine operations difficult and hazardous. The advisory also notes the risk of beach erosion, particularly along the northern, eastern and southern coastlines, with some beaches likely to be submerged at times of high tide. There is also the possibility of injury or loss of life if safety precautions are not followed.

Marine users and beachgoers are being urged to exercise caution and to follow advice issued by the National Conservation Commission and other relevant authorities. The public is also encouraged to monitor updates from the Barbados Meteorological Services, the Department of Emergency Management and the Barbados Government Information Service.

According to the BMS, the unsettled conditions are being driven by an Atlantic high-pressure system generating winds of 20 to 30 knots, keeping seas rough despite a slight easing in swell heights.
The advisory is expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, or sooner if conditions improve.

For more information, members of the public can visit the Barbados Meteorological Services website or contact its hotline at 976-2376.