Small craft warning and high surf advisory for Barbados

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The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has upgraded the small craft and high surf advisory to a small craft warning and high surf advisory for Barbados as sea conditions are expected to further deteriorate from Tuesday.

The BMS says a strengthening Atlantic high-pressure system is generating strong surface to low-level winds across the central Atlantic. As a result, seas are agitated with swell heights of 2.5m to 3.0m in open water reported from a NOAA buoy east of Barbados. 

Model guidance continues to indicate a further increase in swell heights from Tuesday. These swell conditions are expected to persist throughout the remainder of the week.

Hazard Info

Possible Impacts

• Small craft operators should be prepared for the possibility of large open-water swells which 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. Possible loss of life or injury.

What you Should do

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. If you intend to go into the water, it is recommended that you use beaches with on-duty lifeguards. Secure objects on the beach-front that may be swept away by the wave action.

A small craft warning is issued when sustained winds of 25 to 33 knots and/or sea swells greater than 3 metres (greater than 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 is forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone. 

This small craft warning and high surf advisory was issued at 12 noon Sunday and will be updated at 12 noon Tuesday or sooner if conditions warrant. (BMS)