Long-period swells have begun to affect Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastlines, producing large, battering waves in nearshore areas. In addition, spring tides are forecast to continue through Monday, May 8th, 2023, amplifying hazardous effects during high tide periods. Winds are also forecast to briefly increase Friday into Saturday and again from next week, increasing wave heights.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Issued For Northern & Eastern Coastlines of T&T
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
On Thursday, wind speeds are forecast to vary between 15 and 20 knots from the east-southeast to the east-northeast, with seas in open waters remaining moderate. Waves are set to reach up to 2.0 meters, while in sheltered areas, waves are forecast to remain below 1.0 meter but occasionally choppy. Winds may gust as high as 25 knots, particularly near any stray showers.
From Friday, winds are forecast to remain elevated into the weekend, ranging between 15 and 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots all from the southeast to the northeast. These elevated winds are forecast to increase wave heights up to 2.0 meters in open waters, occasionally reaching above, while in sheltered areas, waves are forecast to reach near 1.0 meter. By next Monday into Tuesday, sustained winds are forecast to remain near 20 knots, with higher gusts.
From Wednesday night through Saturday, a combination of long-period swells up to 14 seconds and elevated winds may cause larger waves along northern and eastern coastlines as well as occasionally choppy conditions in nearshore areas. The peak of this swell event is forecast on Thursday into Saturday.
Possible Impacts
Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to remain elevated into next week, reducing air quality and visibility across the country.
Through Saturday, long-period swells are forecast. Swells with longer periods produce larger waves along the coastline, which can be battering and cause the following:
- Loss of life;
- Injuries;
- Coastal erosion;
- Localized disruptions of businesses;
- Damage or loss of boats and fishing equipment;
- Disruptions to marine recreation and businesses
- Economic losses.
Additionally, spring tides are forecast to continue through Monday, May 8th, 2023. These are higher than usual high tides and lower than usual low tides, combined with the presence of higher energy waves due to long-period swells, which will increase the rip current threat, particularly long eastern and northern coastlines. Rip currents are strong currents perpendicular to the shoreline that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea.
