Small Craft and High Surf Advisory for Barbados

Choppy sea conditions along the coastlines of Barbados and in open water are expected from Monday. In light of this, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has issued a Small Craft and High Surf Advisory. 

These conditions are predicted to peak on Tuesday with some improvement likely on Thursday.

The BMS says the north Atlantic high pressure system is generating wind speeds of 20 to 25 knots in the Atlantic. A further increase in wind speeds will agitate sea conditions, increasing swells around Barbados from Monday night.

Sea conditions are forecast to be rough in open water with easterly swells ranging from 2.0m to 3.0m (7 to 10 ft) in open water, peaking at 3.5m (11 feet) on Tuesday. 

Possible Impacts

Small craft operators and beachgoers should be prepared for the possibility of:

• Beach erosion if beaches are submerged particularly below the cliffs and specifically at times of high tide.

• Possible loss of life or injury. Moderate open water swells can cause a challenge to operations of smaller vessels at times.

What you Should do: Ensure a lifeguard is or will be on duty and stay within a safe distance of shoreline and lifeguard station. Avoid going into water where possible. Marine vessels incapable of withstanding these magnitudes should remain close to sheltered waters or safe harbor. Marine users are encouraged to monitor the BMS, DEM and GIS websites and their respective social media pages along with the local media networks for further information on what to do. 

A small-craft advisory is issued when sustained winds of 20 to 25 knots and/or sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (8 to 10 feet) and/or reduced visibility (less than 10 km but greater than 5 km) 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. 

This advisory was issued at 6 p.m.on Saturday and will be updated at 6 p.m. on Tuesday or sooner if conditions warrant. (BMS)