Multiple hazards are forecast to be present in our marine area through the next seven days, with spring tides beginning on Wednesday, long-period swells from Thursday, and elevated low-level winds from the start of next week.
Swell periods may warrant a Hazardous Seas Alert from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service from Thursday, but particularly from Friday where swell periods are forecast to reach as high as 17 seconds. Swells with such high periods produce very large, battering waves in nearshore areas and these swells have propagated across the North Atlantic Ocean over the past week.
Latest Alerts
Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued. Showers, Thunderstorms Still In The Forecast
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Possible Impacts
Mariners should generally exercise caution during heavy showers or thunderstorms, as seas may become locally rough or choppy in their vicinity, mainly due to gusty winds.
However, the main hazards will originate from Spring Tides, which are forecast to begin on Wednesday and continue through December 3rd, 2024. These are higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides.
From Thursday, a long-period swell event is forecast to bring occasional battering waves along both islands’ northern and northeastern coastlines. This swell event is forecast to be severe due to very long-period waves. Mariners should prepare, particularly along the northern and eastern coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the north-facing coastlines of the Gulf of Paria.
Rip currents throughout this forecast period will pose a hazard on the nation’s beaches. 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.
