High-surf advisory in effect

A small-craft and high-surf advisory for above normal swell heights has been issued by Barbados Meteorological Services.

This alert message is valid from 10 a.m. today and will be terminated at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, or sooner, if conditions warrant.

A small-craft advisory is issued, in this case, when sustained winds of 20 to 25 knots and sea swells of 2.5 to 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) and reduced visibility (less than 10km but greater than 5km) are forecast to affect the marine area within the next 48 hours.

A high-surf advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat or is forecast to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone within the next 36 hours.

Strong winds associated with the Atlantic High Pressure System are forecast to trigger a deterioration in sea conditions between Tuesday and Thursday.

Additionally, a plume of moderate to thick Saharan dust haze has blanketed Barbados this morning. These conditions will continue to significantly reduce visibility across the marine area, today.

Moderate to rough swells ranging from 2 to 3 metres ( 7 to 10 ft ) are expected during this time, with a peak in swells heights from Wednesday until early Thursday morning.

All marine craft operators and beachgoers should note the following possibilities mainly along the northern and eastern coasts, due to the imminent or already occurring marine threat.

Large open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels; operation of smaller vessels can be difficult at times due to large swells and marine users should stay close to shore, particularly if GPS is not in use on the vessel.

For more information specific to your area, please visit:- https://www.barbadosweather.org/marineBarResp.php or the social media pages of Barbados Meteorological Services. (PR)