PREVENTION MITIGATION PREPAREDNESS RESPONSE AND RECOVERY
ABMS Issues High Surf Advisory for Reefs and Exposed Northeast Coastlines of Montserrat from tonight Friday, due to above-normal swell heights. The affected reefs and coastlines are Hell’s gate, Old Quaw, Marguerita Bay and Bottomless Ghaut!
Therefore, Spear and Shoreline Fishers are advised to use caution and remain vigilant when venturing onto affected reefs and coastlines as powerful waves can put your life at risk. The highest seas and swells are likely Friday and Saturday.
Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northeast coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.
Timing: Until Monday
According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and affecting mainly the northern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on 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): 2.1 to 3.4 metres (7 to 11 feet), occasionally or locally reaching over 4.0 metres (14 feet). Swell period: 9 to 14 seconds. Swells: North at 1.5 to 2.1 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 on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south and west. 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.
