Beware of sea conditions- Barbados Meteorological Services

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has upgraded an earlier small craft advisory to a small craft warning and a high surf advisory. The alert message is valid from Sunday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 28.

The BMS has explained that a low-pressure system in the northern Atlantic is currently generating above-normal sea swells. This in conjunction with sustained 20 to 25 knots (25 to 45 km/h) surface winds produced by the Atlantic high-pressure system will maintain rough swells in open water near Barbados, ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 meters (8 to 11 ft) this week.

The BMS has urged small craft operators to exercise extreme caution.

It has also advised all marine craft operators and beachgoers to note the following possibilities along the coast and near shore due to the imminent marine threat.

• Large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels.
• Operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to large swells.
• Some beach erosion is inevitable with most or all beaches submerged particularly below the cliffs and specifically at times of high tide.
• Residents and visitors are encouraged not to go in the water as possible loss of life or injury can occur.