Small craft and high surf advisory

The small-craft warning for Barbados has been downgraded to an advisory.

This alert message is valid from 6 p.m. Sunday and will be terminated at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20,
or sooner if conditions warrant.

A small-craft advisory in this case is issued when sustained winds of 20 to 25 knots and sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (8 to 10 feet) are affecting or forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours.

A High Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses or is forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone during the next 36 hours.

Hazard Info:

Strong winds associated with an Atlantic high-pressure system generated rough swells along the northern, eastern, and southern coasts of Barbados over the past few days. A gradual improvement in sea conditions is forecast tonight into tomorrow.

However, swells will remain moderate to rough in open water and near the shore peaking around 3.0m (10 feet). Hence, a small-craft and high-surf advisory is in effect for this period.

Key Message:

All marine operators and beachgoers should note the following possibilities along the coast and near-shore:

• Some beach erosion is inevitable with most or all beaches submerged particularly below the cliffs and specifically at times of high tide.
• Possible loss of life or injury.
• Large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels.
• Operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to large swells.
• Beachgoers are reminded to stay out of the water at this time.