Multiple hazards are at play across Trinidad and Tobago’s coastal waters this week, with a Hazardous Seas Alert in effect through Wednesday. All marine interests are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Latest Alert
Hazardous Seas Alert Discontinued For 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
Monday through Wednesday: Seas are forecast to be moderate to rough in open waters, with waves generally between 1.5 and 2.5 meters, but particularly in eastern and northeastern waters, waves as high as 3.0 meters are forecast. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be below 1.5 meters and with choppy conditions. Swell periods are forecast to range between 12 and 14 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, with gusts up to 25 knots. Spring tides are forecast to end on Monday. The Hazardous Seas Alert #2 is set to expire at 10 AM on Wednesday. A dense plume of Saharan Dust is also forecast to be present during this period.
Thursday: Seas are forecast to be moderate open waters, with waves generally between 1.5 and 2.0 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meter. Swell periods are forecast to range between 7 and 12 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 15 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, with gusts up to 20 knots.
Friday through Monday: Seas are forecast to be moderate in open waters, with waves between 1.5 and 2.0 meters, occasionally higher in northeastern areas. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meter but remain choppy. Swell periods are forecast to range between 7 and 13 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, gusting to 25 knots.
Possible Impacts
Through Wednesday, the main hazards will result from larger than usual waves in nearshore areas from long-period swells, agitated offshore conditions due to elevated winds, and decreased horizontal visibility due to a dense plume of Saharan Dust.
Elevated winds may create hazardous conditions for small craft operators, particularly those in northeastern and eastern coastal areas. Large, open-water swells can be hazardous to some vessels, and smaller craft operations can be difficult during this time. In nearshore areas, northerly swells will also pose a hazard for mariners and beachgoers.
Additionally, spring tides are forecast to end on Monday, February 12th, 2024, resulting in higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides.
There will be an elevated risk of rip currents through the forecast period. If caught in a rip current, swim perpendicular to the current (parallel to the shore). Mariners, especially small craft operators, should ensure their vessels are securely anchored or docked as choppy/breaking wave conditions may drag the vessel onto the ocean floor or reefs in shallow waters or even break anchorage/mooring.
Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to increase during the first half of the week, leading to reduced horizontal visibility, particularly during dawn and dusk, and especially with increased sea spray due to elevated winds.
