Forecast models indicate hazardous long-period swells are set to affect T&T’s northern and to a lesser extent, western coastal areas of Trinidad from early Sunday morning, prompting the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) to issue a Hazardous Seas Alert.
What you need to know
— What is happening: Long-period swells up to 14 seconds are forecast to move in from the north from early Sunday morning and persist through Wednesday next week. These swells are forecast to coincide with spring tides through Monday and elevated winds from Sunday night.
— What can we expect: Open water waves are forecast to occasionally exceed 2.5 meters on Monday through Wednesday, while swells combined with spring tides are forecast to produce large, battering waves in nearshore areas through the next five days. There is an increased risk of rip currents and potentially dangerous conditions for small craft operators.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Discontinued For T&T
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning.
The Hazardous Seas Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued the Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Friday at 2:06 PM. The alert goes into effect for northern and northeastern exposed coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago and, to a lesser extent – the north-facing shoreline in the Gulf of Paria from 2:00 AM Sunday, February 11th, 2024, through 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
“Northerly long-period swells are expected to affect the coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago. These swells can result in battering waves at coastal regions and can be exacerbated during high tides. Nearshore activities (fishing, sea bathing, mooring of boats etc.) can be adversely affected.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status considers the possibility of the event occurring. This hazardous sea event is likely.
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 are likely, and the severity of impacts is moderate for this particular alert.
There is an increased risk of strong rip currents, posing a serious hazard to swimmers and beachgoers. Rip currents can be life-threatening even for experienced swimmers. Agitated seas are likely to be particularly perilous for offshore activities. This includes fishing and other small craft marine interests. Due to the presence of spring tides, conditions at seawalls along affected coastlines can be exacerbated, especially at high tide.
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 / coastal sea conditions and exercise caution along affected areas.
