Small craft and high surf advisory in effect for Barbados

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The Barbados Meteorological Services is maintaining the small craft and high surf advisory for Barbados as choppy sea conditions along the coastlines of Barbados and in open water are expected from Saturday night into next week. 

A strengthening Atlantic high-pressure system has begun to generate strong surface to low-level winds east of Barbados. This activity has started to agitate seas in open water with reports of swell heights of around 2.5m from a NOAA bouy 600km to the east of Barbados. 

Models are predicting that these swells will continue to increase and extend into Barbados’ marine area from tonight and last well into next week. 

Hazard Info

Possible Impacts: 

• Small craft operators should be prepared for the possibility of large open water swells that can be hazardous to some vessels and the operation of smaller vessels may be difficult at times.

• Some beach erosion is likely with some beaches submerged particularly below cliffs and specifically at times of high tide.

• There is the possible loss of life or injury as a result of these hazardous sea conditions.

What you Should do 

• Marine users are encouraged to follow the advice and warnings provided by the National Conservation Commission and other relevant agencies should be followed.

• Additionally, 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 sea swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres (eight to 10 feet) are forecast to affect the marine area within the next 36 hours. 

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

This Small Craft and High Surf advisory was issued at noon on Saturday and will be updated at noon on Sunday or sooner if conditions warrant. (BMS)