Nearly 24 hours after the last Hazardous Seas Alert was discontinued for T&T, northerly long-period swells are set to affect T&T’s northern coastlines, prompting the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) to issue another alert.
What you need to know
— What is happening: Long-period swells up to 16 seconds are forecast to affect northern coastlines, moving in from the north. These swells are set to peak on Saturday, reducing by Sunday and are forecast to coincide with elevated winds.
— What can we expect: Open water waves are forecast to remain up to 2.0 meters, while swells are forecast to produce large, battering waves in nearshore areas through Sunday. There is an increased risk of rip currents and potentially dangerous conditions for small craft operators.
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 issued another Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Friday at 9:04 AM. The alert goes into effect for northern and northeastern exposed coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 17th, 2024, through 8:00 AM Sunday, February 19th, 2024.
“Northerly long period swells are expected to affect coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago. These swells can result in battering waves at coastal regions, which can be exacerbated during high tides. Nearshore activities, including fishing, sea bathing and small craft mooring, 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 and coastal sea conditions, exercise caution along affected areas, and limit marine activities where possible.
