Small craft and high surf warning in effect

he Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a small craft and high surf warning, with a tropical wave in the central Atlantic forecast to bring hazardous sea conditions from Sunday.

It said model guidance suggests swell heights will peak near three to four metres (10 to 13 feet) around the coastlines of Barbados, creating a very unsafe marine environment.

“Due to the nature of the system, large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels, whilst frequent overtopping of waves onto property and roads in very close proximity to the shoreline can be expected. Some beach erosion is also inevitable with these above average swell heights,” the BMS said in an afternoon bulletin.

The small craft and high surf warning is valid from 12 noon today and will be updated at 2 p.m. tomorrow or sooner if conditions warrant.

Marine users have been encouraged to monitor the BMS, Department of Emergency Management, and Government Information Service websites and their social media pages along with local media networks for further updates.

Advice and warnings provided by the National Conservation Commission and Barbados Fisheries Division should be followed, the BMS added.