Caribbean region faces rough maritime conditions

Advisories have been issued in the Caribbean, specifically to beachgoers and fishermen, warning them of the long period swells and hazardous conditions at sea, which are also affecting the coastline, raising concerns about the safety and security of citizens, private property and public infrastructure.

Multiple islands have already issued alerts regarding the conditions at sea, as well as high surf and small craft advisories.

An update has also been issued by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Service, placing the nation on yellow alert due to northerly long period swells and breaking waves along the coastline, which are expected to persist for a few days. Citizens have also been warned that breaking wave action could heighten around high tide.

The alert states that the western and southern coastal regions are of special interest and that beachgoers and small crafts must remain cautious of breaking northerly swells, which can be dangerous to both life and property.

The Meteorological Office in Grenada has issued a small craft advisory and informed the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) that a surface trough in the western region, is of interest and as such, is being monitored.

The trough is expected to move through the region, bringing with it partly cloudy, windy and hazy conditions, accompanied by intermittent rain.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) has also stated that the coastline is feeling the effects of five to seven feet high waves, causing rough conditions.

Grenada’s beaches are facing rough conditions and are not suitable for beachgoers. A small craft advisory has been issued and individuals have been advised against using the beach or going into the water, particularly during high tide.

The Meteorological Office Bulletin states that due to moderate to dense haze or dust, choppy seas, and moderate to rough waters, a temporary reduction of horizontal visibility is expected.

The conditions have had a drastic effect on the ability of sea bathers, fishermen, small sailboats, and other small craft users to make use of the waters along the shoreline. The conditions are likely to persist into the next day at the very least, if not beyond.

The Meteorological Service of Trinidad and Tobago has also issued a yellow alert due to rough conditions at sea, caused by northerly long period swells. As of now, the alert remains valid from 2 am on the 11th of February, till 10 am on the 14th of February.

Having said that, the situation continues to evolve and changes could be made depending on the conditions at any given point.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services have taken a similar measure by issuing a high surf warning to Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St Kitts, and Nevis, which will remain applicable until Tuesday.

According to the weather synopsis, the northern and north-facing coastlines have felt the effects of long-period swells, which have created rough conditions in the region.

It has also been stated that due to the conditions created by the long-period swells and the subsequent life-threatening surf and rip currents, the threat to life, infrastructure and property among those residing along the coastline is significant.

The high surf advisory delineates that surfs of 2 to 3 metres, or 6 to 10 feet will create dangerous conditions along the coast of the area in question.

Beachgoers have been asked to refrain from bathing in the water, especially without the presence of a life guard, specifically in the southern part of the region. Those along the rocky parts of the affected coastline have also been asked to exercise extreme caution as well.

Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla have issued similar high surf warnings, which will remain in effect till Monday.

The prevailing wisdom is that the maritime conditions in the Caribbean region are unsuitable for seafarers and beachgoers. To maintain the safety and security of the populace and the infrastructure, it is of the utmost importance that caution is observed collectively.