The affected coastlines are Marguerita Bay, Rendezvous Beach, Little Bay and Carrs Bay – Beachgoers are advised to be extremely cautious!

That’s according to a High Surf Advisory issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services today, Thursday, 17 February 2022.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed mainly northern and eastern coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.

Timing: Until Friday.Synopsis: Moderate long period swells are reaching the area. The seas are confused; however, the impact will likely be mainly along northern and eastern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate, with the potential for significant impacts. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents for affected coastlines.

A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4 metres (13 feet).

Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds. Swells: North and east at 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher.Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.

Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

Inexperienced Mariners and Fisher Folks on Montserrat, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

That’s according to Craft Advisory issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services on Thursday 17 February 2022.

Timing: Until Saturday.

Synopsis: Fresh winds are causing a combination of wind waves and wind swells to reach hazardous levels, mainly in open waters on the Atlantic sides of the islands. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is moderate with the potential for significant impacts. The threat level could rise further to high tonight, with the potential for extensive impacts.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 37 km/h (14 to 20 knots; 16 to 23 mph), with strong gusts to around 59 km/h (32 knots; 37 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4 metres (13 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 2 to 2.5 metres or 6 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

And, A high Surf Advisory is in effect for Montserrat’s Northern to Eastern coastlines. They are Marguerita Bay, Rendezvous Beach, Little Bay and Carrs Bay – Beachgoers are advised to be extremely cautious!

Also, A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for open waters on the Atlantic side of the island. Inexperienced Mariners and Fisher Folks on Montserrat, especially those operating smaller vessels should stay in port due to these hazardous marine conditions.

Below, the rest of Today’s Local Weather Forecast for Montserrat – Thursday, 17 February 2022:

Synopsis: A tight pressure gradient will maintain breezy conditions across the island. These winds will maintain above normal seas. Additionally, a low level trough will move across the area tonight resulting in periods of overnight showers.

Weather Today: Partly cloudy and breezy with a 30% or low chance of showers.

Winds: East-northeast at 12 to 21 mph, gusting as high as 30 mph.

Seas: 6 to 8 feet with swells up 6 feet. A high surf advisory is in effect for the northern to eastern coastline and a small craft advisory is in effect for open waters on the Atlantic side of the island.Sunset today: 6:13 pm.

Temperatures: highs to reach 29°C or 84°F.

The weather is always changing! Stay Ahead! Events such as flash floods can occur with little or no warning in Montserrat, due to prolonged rain, rain showers in higher elevations and soil saturation.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

The affected coastlines are Marguerita Bay, Rendezvous Beach, Little Bay and Carrs Bay – Beachgoers are advised to be extremely cautious!

The High Surf caution was issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services today, Wednesday, 16 February 2022.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed mainly northern and eastern coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines are advised to be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Timing: Tonight until Friday.

Synopsis: Moderate long period swells are forecast to reach the area. The seas are confused; however, the impact will likely be mainly along northern and eastern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is to rise to moderate, with the potential for significant impacts. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents for affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4 metres (13 feet). Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds.

Swells: North and east at 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher.Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.

Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has again issued a Saharan Dust caution today, Wednesday, 16 February 2022.

Active Children and Adults, and people with Dust Allergies and Respiratory Illnesses, such as asthma are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion, wear masks when going outside and have their medications nearby at all times due to poor air quality.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Saturday

Synopsis: The air quality is down to moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated primarily with the first fresh surge in Saharan Dust for 2022. The threat of health problems will become elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them limited impacts.

Air quality index: 51 to 80 Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

The worst conditions are likely on Wednesday night when the winds are expected to peak. Hence, Inexperienced Mariners and Fisher Folks on Montserrat, especially those operating smaller vessels should stay in port due to these hazardous marine conditions!

The Small Craft Advisory issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services shortly before midnight, Tuesday, said fresh winds are causing a combination of wind waves and wind swells to reach hazardous levels, mainly in open waters on the Atlantic sides of the islands.

It states that the threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is moderate with the potential for significant impacts. The threat level is could to rise further to high on Wednesday, with the potential for extensive impacts. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 41 km/h (14 to 22 knots; 16 to 25 mph), with strong gusts to around 63 km/h (34 knots; 39 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.8 to 2.7 metres (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.5 metres (12 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.8 to 2.7 metres or 6 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.Timing: Until Saturday.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

And, Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, wear masks when going outside and have their medication nearby at all times due to presence of Saharan Dust in the Atmosphere!

Also, Small Craft Operators should exercise caution on the Atlantic Side of the island as seas are expected to be elevated and therefore hazardous!

The rest of Today’s Local Weather Forecast for Montserrat – Wednesday, 16 February 2022 below:

Synopsis: A tight pressure gradient is producing a moderate to fresh and sometimes strong breeze over the area and moisture travelling along this wind flow could result in at most, a moderate chance of showers for the island. In addition to this, the above normal winds along with swells from the north Atlantic will cause seas to be elevated and therefore hazardous.

Weather today: Partly cloudy with a 40% or a moderate chance of brief showers.

Winds: East where speeds will range from 16 to 24 mph with gusts to as high as 38 mph.

Seas: 6 to 9 feet and occasionally reaching 11 feet for the open waters east and north of the island. Seas will also consist of northwesterly to easterly swells up to 6 feet mainly from tonight. The small craft advisory remains in effect and a high surf advisory will also go into effect from tonight.

Sunset today: 6:13 pm.

Temperatures: highs to reach 29°C or 84°F.

The weather is always changing! Stay Ahead! Events such as flash floods can occur with little or no warning in Montserrat, due to prolonged rain, rain showers in higher elevations and soil saturation.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services is cautioning active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, to limit prolonged outdoor exertion, wear masks when going outside and have their medication nearby at all times.

That’s according to a Saharan Dust Bulletin issued by the Met Services on Tuesday, 15 February 2022 at 3:30 pm.Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Friday

Synopsis: The air quality is down to moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated primarily with the first fresh surge in Saharan Dust for 2022. The threat of health problems will become elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them limited impacts.

Air quality index: 51 to 80

Alert Level: II

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale rattled Montserrat during the early hours of Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of The University of the West Indies said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage linked to the quake, which occurred at 4:03 am and was located at Latitude: 16.74N, Longitude: 61.35W and at a depth of 19 kilometres.

The SRC said that the tremor was felt 58 km northeast of Point-à-Pitre, the capital of Guadeloupe, 69 km south-east of St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda and 60 km north of the Dominican capital, Roseau.

The earthquake was also felt in several Caribbean islands, and there are no reports of aftershocks so far.Residents on Montserrat say they were awakened from their sleep by some strong shaking which, according to Scientists, was due to light vibration in the area of the epicentre.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is reminding residents that as soon as they feel an earthquake, it is critical to Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect themselves from serious injury during a major earthquake. DROP to the ground. Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk. HOLD ON to the table or desk so that it continues to shelter you throughout the earthquake.

The earthquake this morning is a stark reminder that now is an opportune time to practice earthquake safety actions such as reviewing your Family Emergency Plans and practising the three easy earthquake safety steps – Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.

According to the Craft Advisory issued for Montserrat by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the worst conditions are likely on Wednesday night when the winds are expected to peak.

Therefore, Inexperienced Mariners and Fisher Folks on Montserrat, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these hazardous sea conditions.

Timing: Tuesday late afternoon until Saturday.

Synopsis: Fresh winds are forecast to cause a combination of wind waves and wind swells to reach hazardous levels, mainly in open waters on the Atlantic sides of the islands. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is expected to rise to moderate, with the potential for significant impacts.

A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 14 to 22 knots; 16 to 25 mph, with strong gusts to around 34 knots; 39 mph.

Seas (significant wave heights): 6 to 9 feet, occasionally or locally reaching near 2 feet. Wind waves and or wind swells: 6 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

Continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on natural and man-made hazards to which Montserrat is prone.

Disclaimer: The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the national body responsible for coordinating the management of emergencies and disasters in Montserrat, and not an official Meteorological Agency. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources utilized by the DMCA and the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the agency responsible for aviation weather products and services for Montserrat.