High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua as Hazardous Seas Affect Northern Coastlines

High Surf Advisory Issued for Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands A high surf advisory is in effect for the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands as hazardous marine conditions impact exposed northern and northern-facing coastlines, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service said Tuesday.

The advisory was issued at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday and warns of dangerous surf and sea conditions affecting reefs and nearshore waters with shallow to moderately sloping seabeds.

For Antigua and Barbuda, hazardous conditions are expected from Wednesday morning through Saturday midday. Similar conditions are forecast for St. Kitts and Nevis from Wednesday morning through Sunday night; Montserrat from early Wednesday through Sunday night; Anguilla from Wednesday morning through Saturday morning; and the British Virgin Islands from Wednesday morning through early Saturday.

Forecasters said wave heights of 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) are expected, with seas ranging from 2.4 to 3.4 meters (8 to 11 feet) and occasionally approaching 4 meters (13 feet). Long-period swells of around 10 seconds are also forecast, increasing the risk of life-threatening rip currents.

Potential impacts include coastal flooding, beach erosion, sea splash on low-lying roads, beach closures, damage to coral reefs, disruptions to marine businesses and possible saltwater intrusion at desalination facilities.

Residents and visitors are urged to avoid affected beaches and rocky shorelines, remain off exposed jetties and reefs, and use sheltered southern beaches where possible. Swimmers are advised to enter the water only where lifeguards are present.

If caught in a rip current, authorities advise staying calm and floating, avoiding swimming against the current, and moving parallel to shore when possible while signaling for help if unable to escape.

The advisory was issued by forecaster Letitia Humphreys. The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service through its website and official media channels.

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