As forecast, long-period swells will result in hazardous seas, prompting the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) to issue a Hazardous Seas Alert for this short-lived event.
What you need to know
— What is happening: Long-period swells between 10 and 14 seconds are moving in from the northeast and are forecast to briefly affect northern and eastern coastlines through the week, with peak swells through January 7th.
— What can we expect: Open water waves are forecast to remain up to 2.0 meters, while swells are forecast to produce occasional large, battering waves in nearshore areas through Tuesday evening, according to the alert. Forecast models show high-energy swells continuing through the week at decreased frequency. There is an increased risk of rip currents and potentially dangerous conditions for small craft operators.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Issued For Northern 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 a Hazardous Seas Alert (Yellow Level) on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 at 9:52 AM. The alert goes into effect for exposed northern and northeastern coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago from 4:00 PM Sunday, January 5th, 2025, and remains in effect through noon Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.
“Northerly to north-northeasterly long period swells are expected to affect nearshore northern and north-eastern coastlines. Larger than normal breakers are likely. Conditions can be exacerbated, especially at high tide. Impacts include large battering waves along affected shorelines. Near-shore activities, including fishing, swimming, and boat moorings, can be disrupted,” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service.
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, which pose a serious hazard to swimmers and beachgoers. Rip currents can be life-threatening even for experienced swimmers. Agitated seas will likely be particularly dangerous for offshore activities, including fishing and other small craft marine interests. Due to 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 advises all marine interests to monitor near-shore sea conditions, exercise extra caution along affected coasts, limit nearshore marine activities, and continue monitoring updates from official sites.
