A small craft warning and high surf advisory are in effect for northern, eastern and southern coastal and marine areas of Barbados.
The Met Office upgraded the small craft advisory to a warning and it will be valid from 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The central Atlantic high pressure system is expected to generate moderate to brisk surface winds of 20 to 25 knots (37 to 47 km/h) over the marine area in the coming days. This will result in a deterioration in sea conditions, primarily on the northern, eastern and southern coastal and marine areas.
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) and/or reduced visibility (less 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.
Swells are expected to be moderate to rough in open water during this period, peaking near 3.5 metres (11ft) on Thursday through Friday.
All marine craft operators should note that large open water swells could be hazardous to some vessels and operations of smaller vessels could be difficult at times. Beachgoers should ensure a lifeguard is or will be on duty and stay within safe distance of the shoreline and lifeguard station. (PR/SAT)