North-northeasterly long-period swells have begun to impact Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastlines originating from the far North Atlantic Ocean, with occasional large, battering waves affecting northern and northeastern coastlines.
What you need to know
— What is happening: Swell periods up to 13 seconds are producing large, battering, high-energy waves along Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastlines. Large waves are forecast to be more impactful during high tide periods.
— What can we expect: Large, battering waves will continue along T&T’s northern and eastern coastlines, with choppy conditions in sheltered areas through the end of the week. Minor to moderate coastal erosion is possible. There is a high risk of rip currents along the country’s northern and eastern coastlines.
Latest Alerts
Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued For T&T
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The Hazardous Seas Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service updated the Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Thursday at 10:03 AM. The alert went into effect for Trinidad and Tobago’s northern and eastern coastal areas from 4:00 PM Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, through 8:00 PM Saturday, December 23rd, 2023.
“North-northeasterly long-period swells are observed along the northern and northeastern near-shore coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago, with occasional battering waves reported. These occasional battering waves can pose a significant risk to near-shore activities and can lead to increased erosion, especially at high tide,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status considers the possibility of the event occurring. This hazardous sea event has been observed.
The alert’s color indicates the event’s severity and probability of the event occurring. Currently, the alert level is Yellow. This means that the hazards have been observed, and the severity of impacts is moderate for this particular alert. Large battering waves and a high risk of rip currents are the two main hazards of this swell event.
For a moderate Hazardous Seas Alert, there is the potential for possible injuries, where behavioral changes are required to ensure safety. There may be minor damage to property, with income-earning temporarily disrupted and a couple of communities affected.
The Met Office is advising all marine interests to monitor near-shore sea conditions and exercise caution along affected areas, especially at high tides and continue to monitor updates from official sites.
